Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
Welcome to six (or more) months of hell. The Dodgers’ begin the season in San Diego, which is good news for Clayton Kershaw.
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Dodgers
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Padres
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4:05 p.m. PT
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San Diego
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2B
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Utley
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CF
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Jay
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SS
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Seager
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C
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Norris
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3B
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Turner
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RF
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Kemp
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1B
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Gonzalez
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1B
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Myers
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RF
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Puig
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SS
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Ramirez
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LF
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Crawford
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3B
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Solarte
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CF
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Pederson
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LF
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Upton
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C
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Ellis
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2B
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Spangenberg
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P
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Kershaw (L)
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P
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Ross (R)
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Not that he needs any help, but Kershaw has a career 2.13 ERA in Petco Park, and the Padres’ offense looks much more anemic without Justin Upton and with the additions of Alexei Ramirez and Jon Jay.
Dave Roberts‘ first lineup probably draws mixed reviews. The bad is Chase Utley leading off. The options are limited and I understand not wanting to put any further pressure on Joc Pederson and the options to leadoff are slim, so it’s fine I guess. The good is the 2 through 5 of Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig. I could see that being a pretty consistent middle of the order throughout the season. There’s also this:
Dave Roberts says he won't make Corey Seager bunt as the No. 2 hitter. #TrueSABR
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) April 4, 2016
Thank goodness.
The 2016 season is going to hinge a lot on what the good (and healthy) players do. Puig has to produce like he did his first two seasons, Gonzalez needs to anchor the lineup, Turner needs to continue hitting like Anthony Rizzo … and the list goes on. Breaking news: Team needs to rely on good players to win — I know. But all of that (outside of Puig, maybe) has a high likelihood of coming to be. That doesn’t even factor in Yasmani Grandal‘s offense that could be one of the best of any catcher in baseball, Pederson’s hopeful resurgence and Seager’s low risk factor on offense.
Kershaw has to be great (and he will be). Kenley Jansen has to be great (and he will be). Beyond that, the rest of the pitching staff is filled with a lot of talent and question marks. There is definite risk with the starting rotation, but there are guys who have performed in the past, in other leagues, as well as guys who will come back and (hopefully) be effective. I’m actually not worried much about the bullpen. There is enough talent, velocity and veteraness to be successful.
The farm system is deep and ready to help basically whenever a need arises. Jose De Leon and Julio Urias will pitch for the Dodgers in 2016. The offense likely won’t need a big boost from prospects, but Austin Barnes and Trayce Thompson made the opening day roster, while Micah Johnson has some ability of his own. And the farm system might (will?) bring in a big-time player at some point this season. Not every prospect in the system is going to play with the Dodgers. Those players (assets) will be used to bring in present-day assets that could help the Dodgers make a deeper playoff run than in recent years.
A lot of folks are down about the offseason and a lot of folks in the media are down on the Dodgers in terms of making the playoffs and/or going deep in the playoffs. The team is constructed in such a way that changes can easily be made, if necessary. The depth is unmatched, and that will help provide a big boost throughout the season.
This is going to be a good season. The Dodgers will win the National League West. Here’s hoping they win more than that. Welcome to opening day.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t include this.
The last scorebook. #Vin pic.twitter.com/Lie39WypEv
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 4, 2016
I’m sure it’s just as dusty in here as it is where ever you are.
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