Andre Ethier is most certainly going to start the season on the DL, but Andrew Toles Grand Salami yesterday iced his place on the team. I punched his ticket! It also doesn’t hurt that he is hitting .348. I think this kid may have Wally Pipped Ethier. Next up is our utility infielder position.
Chris Taylor has garnered a lot of attention with his Spring success in the Cactus League. He is hitting .432 and OPS’ing 1.184. Charlie Culberson is having a good (not great) Spring and has the most AB’s of any player. However, CC is not on the 40-man roster and because of that and other issues, he probably is not in the mix for the backup/utility man role.
Many people have already handed the position to Chris Taylor due to his outstanding Spring. Not so fast! Let’s not forget about Kike Hernandez and what he can bring. He can play every position on the diamond and play it with credibility. There’s the rumor that he can even catch. I believe it! He is a team favorite and unlike Taylor, he has very good power. Chris Taylor is a better SS, but Kike is a better All-Round Utility Man. Kike is hitting .273 for the Spring and he has only 22 AB’s to Taylor’s 37 AB’s due to playing in the WBC. Don’t write him off however. I think the competition starts right about now. How Taylor and Hernandez finish will determine their fates.
On Saturday, THE LA TIMES, Andy McCullough wrote about Kike Hernandez:
“After last year, the year that I had on the field and off the field, I lost a little bit of love for the game,” Hernandez said. “Heading back out there was pretty refreshing. That energy and that passion were pretty contagious, pretty quick. I could step back and think about everything, and realize that last year was just a bad year. I started to have fun playing baseball again.”
Hernandez filled a variety of roles for Team Puerto Rico, which fell in the championship game to Team USA on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. He hopes to play a similar part for the Dodgers, where he is the favorite to make the club as the last man on Manager Dave Roberts’ bench.
The bench puzzle features Hernandez, Chris Taylor and Charlie Culberson. Unlike Hernandez and Taylor, Culberson is not on the 40-man roster. The Dodgers may need the one current vacancy to add reliever Brandon Morrow.
Despite his recent absence, Hernandez holds a favorable position based on his ability to play the outfield. The team seeks a player who can both back up at shortstop and in center field, as an alternative for Joc Pederson against left-handed pitchers. In his first spring learning the outfield, Taylor has been eager but raw. Hernandez is a more polished defender.
McCullough went on the write this about Kike:
In July, Enrique Hernandez, Sr., a long-time coach and scout in Puerto Rico, underwent a bone marrow transplant. Hernandez shaved his head as his father started cancer treatment. He hit a game-winning homer on Father’s Day, but the moment could not offset his angst. He felt torn between his profession and his family.
“You want to be there to support your parents,” Hernandez said. “Not only my dad, but my mom, whose taking it like she’s the one who was going through the situation. You can’t be there. And you’re here, and you’re not doing what you’re supposed to do. It just gets hard.”
A lot of people have called Kike a “waste of a roster spot” and say that he “should not even be on the team.” I violently disagree. He hit .307 in 2015 and then dealt with something a 24 year-old may not be equipped to deal with very well. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. That said, Chris Taylor is playing out of his mind. He wants a spot. What do you do? The next few days will tell. I can’t see both of them on the team, but it’s a possibility!
Some think there is a competition for backup catcher between Austin Barnes and Bobby Wilson – at first I did not think so, but Bobby Wilson is a baller. Wilson has done an excellent job, but I think Barnes’ time is NOW. Wilson is hitting .250 to Barnes .212 and Barnes is OPS’ing .790 while Wilson is .808. Thew biggest difference is OB%, where Wilson is at .308 while Barnes is at .366. Barnes gets on base much better. Wilson is an experienced backup catcher who calls a good game, but Austin Barnes does not need more seasoning. I could see the Dodgers keeping Wilson, but if they do, they should trade Barnes – he has a lot of value. Trade Barnes and Wood for Brad Brach if Ryu is healthy.
This from ESPN:
Seems as if hardly anybody is mentioning this, but it’s the super-deep Dodgers, not the Cubs, who have the top consensus preseason forecast in the big leagues. If needed, L.A. can tap into a terrific group of prospects and under-25 talents already on the 40-man roster. The Dodgers’ dilemma might turn out to be figuring out how to find spots for young guys demanding bigger roles at the big league level. Is it out of the realm of possibility that Cody Bellinger forces the Dodgers to consider dealing Adrian Gonzalez? Probably not, but that’s some nice insurance to have.
It’s interesting to read stuff like this: “Dodgers News: Rich Hill’s Spring Struggles Continue Against Oakland” I guess your perspective makes all the difference. If you heard Rich Hill’s interview after the game, you would know that he was very happy with the outing. He had issues in the beginning but then worked it out and he liked the way the ball was coming out of his hand. I didn’t like the way he started, but I think the headline should have been “Rich Hill’s Struggles End Against Oakland,” because he actually figured it out! I imagine it takes time to get the feel for that Big Spinner he throws.
Today’s Roster (subject to immense change)
- Grandal
- Barnes or Wilson
- Gonzalez
- Segedin (he could go to AAA and both Taylor and Hernandez make the squad)
- Forsythe
- Utley
- Seager
- Hernandez or Taylor
- Turner
- Toles
- Gutierrez
- Pederson
- Puig
- Kershaw
- Meada
- Hill
- Ryu
- McCarthy
- Wood
- Stripling
- Baez
- Avilan
- Dayton
- Romo
- Jansen
Today’s Music
Discussion (65)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Mark, sometime in the next week (before it all begins April 3), can we do a thread where we make our predictions for the year? However little or may we want to make.
AND, if we can somehow reference that thread throughout the year, and especially at the end of the year (God willing it’s Nov 2 or so) . I think it’d be fun to go back and see how wrong everyone was on so many things ! Of course, I already predict we win the world series
I guess I’m a little happy that Kazmir failed today. I think that it is best that he rehabs for a while instead of having a decent outing and getting some false sense that he should be in the rotation. Kazmir for whatever reason strikes me as a guy who could be a bit of a malcontent if he thought he was ready and the Dodgers didn’t agree. I think it is good that Kazmir knows and admits he’s got a ways to go. So while I never root against the Dodgers, I think it was a blessing in disguise that he struggled.
Kasmir will not be in the starting rotation. Tomorrow will decide if Ryu has made it. I really hope he makes it. Our starting rotation would be so much stronger with him in the starting rotation.
I think Taylor and Segedin should be on the team, but probably will not. There will be players making the team because they do not have any options left. That really irritates me. I believe you take the best players and the hell with the options. I was a Kike fan but no longer. Taylor and Segedin are both better.
I want to talk about Puig. He looks lost to me. He has not learned to lay off an outside pitch. He needs to be traded for his sake and the Dodgers. If we can package him and McCarthy for a good right handed hitting outfielder,that would be great.
We have farm kids that really look good to me . We have good pitching and good position players. The future looks very good to me.
With respect to AGon trade vs. no trade, I see no reason to pay for him being in someone else’s lineup, and I do not see another team giving anything of value and picking up the tab. I think he would do well with the Yankees and that short RF porch. No, Bums, NYY is not trading Gleybar Torreyes. Once NYY are convinced Torreyes is ready, Gregorius becomes expendable or moves to 2B and Castro becomes expendable. Torreyes is the heir apparent to Derek Jeter, at least he is going to get every opportunity.
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If AGon is traded, it will have to be before August 26, because that is when AGon gets his 10/5 rights and then cannot be traded without his permission.
It is time even for me to come to the conclusion that Scott Kazmir is no where close to being ready to join the rotation. His highest velocity was 86…not good. Not justifiable keeping him in consideration. He needs to go on the DL and see what he can do at extended ST.
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I cannot see Bobby Wilson as the back up to Grandal, but it is interesting that Wilson is getting as much time behind the plate as he has lately. Barnes has earned the 25 man.
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Brandon Morrow is now the lone non-roster invitee pitcher remaining. I think he is receiving serious consideration for the bullpen. He pitched well today. I just have a hard time believing that both Wood and Stripling make the 25 man as relievers. There is no question that both belong on the 25 man, but is the organization better served with one of them down at OKC starting? Stripling going a strong three in relief is a big plus for him. I am still going with starters:
Kershaw, Maeda, Hill, McCarthy, Ryu
Relievers:
Jansen, Romo, Stripling, Morrow, Dayton, Avilan, Liberatore
Optioned – Wood, Fields
DL – Kaz, Baez, Stewart, and Ravin
Extended ST – Urias
DFA – Hatcher (offer AAA if not picked up)
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With Ethier going on the DL, Toles makes the starting lineup. AGon/Forsythe/Seager/JT/Toles/Pederson/Puig/Grandal. I would have liked to have seen Pederson face Hamels today. If he can’t face tough lefties in ST, how is going to face them during the season?
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I still like Taylor over Kike’, but my vote does not count. I think FAZ favors Kike’. I also like Segedin over SVS, but I am not sure that FAZ does. I am convinced when it comes to bench roles that FAZ favors the experienced. So my bench would be different than what I think it will be, which is Barnes/Utley/Gutierrez/Hernandez/SVS.
SCDodgerFan,
Come on, pile on:
I’m a believer – I am rooting for them.
yeah, they would recognize us: “There’s that old guy and Mr. Universe!”
Mark, April 5th thru 9th? Which days are best for you to grab a beer? I’ll make sure to pencil it in, I can most likely do Orlando OR Daytona. Hopefully they don’t recognize us, wait a minute, how could they not? We are screwed
Bums,
It has never been conclusively proven he used PED’s (cough, cough). I’m over all that anyway. Put Bonds and Big Mac and Sammy in the HOF. Rose too. I’ll bet that never happens! How much do you wanna’ bet?
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If Game Over wants to come back he has to sign a minor league deal that is incentive-laden. He has to go to OKC and prove he can get hitters out first for 3 weeks.
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I’d welcome him back. FAZ is all about second chances. Shoot, they would take Koufax and Drysdale back!
Our #5 has the @Rockies to deal with and the Cubs in their first 2 starts, we will see what our #5 has pretty quickly, whomever that may be
I have to agree with all of Hawkeyes opinions of the roster construction, they make a lot of sense for now and for the early part of the season. I hope they are not showcasing Wood, but he has the most trade value. McCarthy would be nice to move if they want salary relief but he has to be healthy and somewhat effective. As a RH pitcher he provides more balance in the rotation but if all the lefties are healthy several are better than him for the 4 or 5 spot. Stripling and Wood provide nice insurance if someone goes down with an injury (likely) and whether McCarthy could handle the bullpen is an open question. I don’t think the bullpen suits Kazmir and he struggled today with 3 hits and 5 walks in 3 innings, he does not appear ready yet to contribute as a starter. I trust management to make the right call, they have all of the facts. Managing the egos and frustrations are another matter and will test Roberts people skills. The best 5 in late season would be Kershaw, Hill, Maeda, Urias and Ryu in some order if all are healthy and pitching well.
Kazmir looked horrendous.
Apparently tomorrow Ryu will try going 5 ip. That will basically determine who wins that #5 job
KAZ is throwing 84…
Kazmir stinking it up again today?
I just heard them say that Eric Gagne was throwing 94-95 MPH in the WBC. Then add in his devastating changeup.
Whaaaaaaatttttt?
http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/04/26/rich-hill-oakland-athletics-curveballs
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“Perhaps the biggest reason for Hill’s renaissance is an increased emphasis on the curveball, the pitch that has been his strength since he debuted with the Cubs over a decade ago. A fourth-round pick out of the University of Michigan in 2002, Hill reached the majors with Chicago three years later, and for his first five seasons (four with Chicago and the ’09 season with Baltimore), he started 70 of his 78 games and threw twice as many fastballs as curveballs, according to Brooks Baseball. But after five years of poor results as a starter (a 4.87 ERA and a walk-per-nine rate of 4.0) and the 2009 shoulder surgery, he moved to the bullpen in ’10, first with the Cardinals’ Triple A team, then with Boston, and eventually started throwing sidearm. More significantly, he also changed his approach to become more curveball-oriented. From 2010 through the end of ‘14, 47% of his offerings were curveballs, and he used it mostly against southpaws, who hit just .204 against it with 35 strikeouts in 103 at-bats.
When Hill returned to starting last summer, he kept his renewed emphasis on the curveball but decided to revert to the traditional over-the-top delivery he had used as a starter in Chicago. Going back over the top, Hill says, was a move designed to help give his curveball more vertical break than it had when he was a reliever, making his best pitch that much harder to hit.
“The ball that stays along the plate and stays a little bit more flat, you get more time to put the barrel on the ball,” Hill explains. “When you have more depth to a breaking ball, you don’t have that many chances to barrel it up.”
With more break on the pitch, batters find themselves unable to get under the ball. As a result, Hill’s ground-ball rate improved to 48.4% last year, the highest mark of his career, and is at 54.5% through the early going this year. And with batters unable to square up the pitch, he’s giving up fewer hard-hit balls; his soft contact percentage has doubled since his days as a reliever.
The other important mechanical adjustment for Hill was a move to the third-base side of the pitching rubber, something suggested by former Red Sox director of pro scouting Jared Porter when Hill threw a showcase for the team last summer.”
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Fangraphs explains it even more:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/rich-hill-truly-curveballs-like-no-one-else/
He changed the way he throws it a couple of years ago. Yes, he has always thrown the curve, but not with this extreme spin, which is why at 36 he developed blisters.
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Here’s another good read on Hill:
https://theringer.com/rich-hill-oakland-as-mlb-pitcher-22c4af0456fe#.ho0zod696
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Hill started to change his finger pressure, grip, arm speed, release point, arm angle, and leg drive from pitch to pitch, expanding a traditional four-pitch mix — fastball, slider, curveball, changeup — into something that looks like a dozen or more distinct offerings.
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I think Grant Brisbee said it best:
http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2016/10/18/13308888/rich-hill-dodgers-nlcs-cubs-history-graphic-novel
Hill took his curveball, and he turned it into several curveballs. If that doesn’t help you visualize what happened, give all of them a different name. This one’s a curveball. That one’s a blingle. That other one’s an Uncle Tupelo. That one’s a forceball. They all have their uses and places, and they’re devastating when Hill mixes and matches with the 90-mph fastball he can still surprise you with.
Hill didn’t come back stronger than ever because he went through a training montage. He didn’t come back with a new delivery. If he’s in the best shape of his life, he’s been pretty quiet about it. He sat down with a respected pitching savant and talked about pitching.
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With so many curveballs and his extreme spin rate now, I would expect it will always take him time to get it down.
My comment is awaiting moderation?
I really don’t think Kike’s ability to play CF should be much of a factor when Puig and Toles can play CF and frankly both play it better than Kike especially Puig. Kike is an average at best outfielder probably slightly below avg at every position he plays. Whether Ryu starts the year in the rotation or goes to AAA for a couple of starts will have the most impact on the roster. I’m sure the Dodgers would prefer to start Wood to showcase him to other teams. Another good start by Ryu may make it extremely tough on them to send him on a rehab assignment. Segedin vs SVS is interesting. Segedin can play 3rd and SVS can’t, but SVS is a better defender at 1B and OF. Segedin is swinging a better bat right now. SVS has been hurt so much lately he may just need to start the year at AAA to see regular reps for a while. Right now my team is:
Gonzo
Forsythe
Seager
JT
Grandal
Toles
Joc
Puig
Bench:
Barnes, FG, Utley, Segedin, Taylor
I don’t think there is really a battle for the 2nd catcher position. Wilson’s throwing wasn’t very impressive to me while I was there. Thompson, Kike and SVS will be better served getting AB’s at AAA to start the season. All will return to the big club or could be traded as well. SVS could win the spot back from Segedin still. When Thompson has proven he’s ready to go they Dodgers may realize carrying Taylor isn’t neccessary. Same when Ethier returns if Toles is playing well.
Kershaw
Maeda
Hill
McCarthy
Bullpen w/Ryu in rotation:
KJ
Romo
Dayton
Avilan
Wood
Stripling
Baez or Fields depending if Baez is ready to go
Morrow
If Wood is in the rotation that opens up a spot for, Liberatore, Fields or Hatcher, but I believe Hatcher will be DFA’d this year.
I posted this earlier and will post it down here:
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Actually, Rich Hill has not beeing doing THIS for 25 years – he started the Big Spinner about 3 years ago, which resurrected his career. He “spins” the ball more than anyone. I never had a good curve ball, so I can’t fully relate, but guys who do, have to get the “feel” for it and Hill’s is one of the biggest out there, so I would assume that’s why he was even worse last spring. I think this is his second full spring with that new curve.
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Rich Hill has walked 14 batters in 12 innings this spring and struck out 13 will allowing 12 hits. Last Spring it was about the same and then he proceeded to put up stupid numbers. I just think it takes him a while to get the fell of the curve. He was very happy after the game with the way he pitched. I think he’s got it… or is close!
I doubt seriously that the Braintrust makes baseball decisions based on what player that it traded to obtain another. The reason that the likes of Hatcher and Kike are still around is that the Braintrust sees baseball potential in them. The problem is that at some point, potential either becomes realized or it doesn’t. As a fan, I would pass on Hatcher at this point. His control is always going to get him in trouble and his stuff is surprisingly hittable for as good as it appears to be.
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Kike is another story. His plus ’15 and minus ’16 tells me that we don’t know for sure who he is yet. That being said, after the Spring that Taylor has had I would give him first shot at the utility position. If necessary, Taylor, Thompson, or Puig could play CF against a tough lefty (depending on who makes the team).
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As for Rich Hill, he pitched well his 1st 2 Spring starts but hasn’t been able to consistently throw strikes since. Yeah, it’s Spring Training and all that, but he should be closer to ready this late than he appears to be. I’m one who remains unconvinced that Hill is the real deal but am convinced that he will end up on the DL a couple of times before the season is over. The Dodgers’ pitching “depth” consists mainly of guys who will be unlikely to remain in the rotation without a trip or 2 to the DL.
I don’t normally get my ample ass on a soap box, but I’m gonna rant. I taped the Dodger-A’s game yesterday and I think it was around the 4th or 5th inning they showed Ethier walking along the 3rd base line going toward the bullpen between innings. This kid leans over and holds his hand out for a high five, about 5 or 10 feet in front of Ethier. Ethier just looks at the kid and walks right by, doesn’t even acknowledge him, just leaves the kid hanging. Total ass hat move. I could totally understand if there was a crowd of screaming fans, but the kid was all by himself(check the video). This after I just saw a clip of Justin Turner warming up with some young kids by playing catch with them over the fence. Kids loved it. Guys like Turner get it. He was a utility player who was on his last run, and made it. He appreciates being in the majors. Next to Kershaw, he is by far the most kid friendly player. Ethier needs to get over himself and realize how truly lucky he is to be playing ball. Sorry guys, just totally rubbed me the wrong way. Not cool.
Easy one first-Barnes over Wilson-vote for the future.
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Harder one-Taylor has earned the spot, what more could he do this spring? The next week he will continue to outplay banana man. Kike needs to go down and catch fire in OKC and force the issue. Taylor has a better glove and speed and is not too shabby with the bat and less attitude. Kike would have value IMO to other teams, could be packaged.
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Even Harder-I am seeing the past vs. the future with SVS and Segedin and Segedin has won me over as the future type of player the Dodgers prefer. SVS has had his moments but his time has passed at least here. He also needs to go down to OKC and rake to force his recall. He either finds the magic or is gone, and has some value.
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Hardest-I heard the Wally Pip comment the other day and while Toles is no Lou Gehrig I think he represents the future and Ethier the past. I love the guy but his body is breaking down. He will have chances to contribute but this may be a farewell tour for Andre.
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Rotation and bullpen I am happy with whatever they decide knowing it will be fluid all season based on the variables. I want Baez to go to AAA and work with a pitch clock. He certainly has value as a trade chip, but I can’t stand watching him pitch. Like Hatcher he has a great arm, so is it mental with these guys? Hatcher is hard for me to watch also and would probably clear waivers if assigned. If he doesn’t it would be ok with me.
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AGon probably stays with the team all season and provides his normal defense, RBI’s and leadership. Gutierrez may have a shorter leash to perform well, there are lots of candidates to take his spot.
Amazing that we have just 1 more week of these practice games left! Toles is for real. Loved him since he came up last year (and despite his dropped fly ball in game 6 in Chicago)
As for this board which starts with Mark, cruising the Blue sites comment sections I find the thoughts created here are often parroted, including by me…..so credit not just Mark but in fact credit everyone here for the high IQ baseball.
Thank you
Shout out to the guest host on a great job done….thx AC
I’m on the no-to-Kike list. He is an average defensive player wherever that is. I’m in the Taylor-Segedin camp. That has the backup infield/outfield positions filled. I saw some of the Rich Hill interview. I like the guy, but why is it so hard “to find” your grip and finger roll? He’s been doing this for 25 years, and it seems unusual that this is so hard for him. Hard come, easy go? He has a week to get it straightened out. Yesterday he should have been on top of this. The A’s hitters said he was not.
Mark,
Thanks for the wisdom quote today. It seems like worrying feels more responsible and faith feels a little weak. You do a great job with this blog. Thanks.
I’m pulling for Segedin over SVS. I liked Hernandez but 2016 was a complete bust. I understand the off field burdens he faced but he has to completely out play Taylor, in my opinion, to find his way back on the team. I am no longer a SVS fan. He hasn’t looked good for two years now. I would think he has to be on fire to make the team. I know I have mentioned this before but I can’t get over his lack luster, no hustle play when OKC came to Fresno last year. I know he was rehabbing but he just looked lazy. It bothered me…a lot.
It has often been said that a pitcher has to be pretty good to be given enough opportunities to lose 20 games in a season. Could it be also true that a catcher has to be pretty good to have played for 5 teams in 2 years?
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Since the start of the 2015 season, Wilson played for the Rays, the Rangers, the Tigers, the Rangers (again) and the Rays (again). The Dodgers already have three catchers (Yasmani Grandal, Austin Barnes and Kyle Farmer) on their 40-man. Wilson is a career .214/.268/.319 hitter heading into his age-34 season.
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I think Barnes will make the 25 to open the 2017 season.
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FAZ might let loyalty for Kike’ put him on the 25 to open the season. They traded a high profile player (Gordon) for him and he has been a Dodger for two years while this is basically Taylor’s first season (full season) with the Dodgers and while he was also traded for, the player they gave up (Lee) had long lost his intrigue.
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A case can be made that SVS and Thompson can play CF at least as well as Kike’ and that Toles can play it better so the Dodgers do not need Kike’ for his ability to play CF. Taylor is a better defensive infielder and use his speed to somewhat mitigate his reads and routes in CF. I want Taylor to make the team and would rather have Taylor and SVS than Kike and Taylor.
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I think Gonzales will be a Dodger at least up to the trade deadline but if he were traded earlier, I think Utley and SVS would platoon at first and Bellinger would stay at AAA through June. If a trade is made before the beginning of opening day, I think the Dodgers could do something with either the Mets or the Rays and that Puig would be involved.