Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
Ahh spring training. It’s exciting to see baseball around again, but it’s also a rude reminder that real baseball is still about six weeks away. Until then, updates from fake games and real practices will have to suffice.
This offseason was newsworthy for Yasiel Puig, but not for the usual reasons. There was that scuffle in a Miami bar that was completely blown out of proportion by the always credible TMZ, but everything else has been baseball related. Trade rumors swirled quite frequently and quickly during the offseason. Puig was all but traded to Cleveland in a deal for Carlos Carrasco, if you believe Twitter (which you shouldn’t). Andy Van Slyke went on a St. Louis radio station and made an ass out of himself with his comments, alluding to Clayton Kershaw demanding Puig be traded. Dave Roberts was hired and is giving Puig a “fresh start.” Then we get to Andrew Friedman’s comments about Puig’s weight. It seems Yasiel took those comments to heart, because he looks different now than he did at the end of last season.
On his way to ruin baseball. pic.twitter.com/16Z1JTxkCg
— P (@BaseballSucks69) February 20, 2016
One more of Puig from today. pic.twitter.com/rPU7U0ulAP
— P (@BaseballSucks69) February 21, 2016
(Thanks 0ptimus!)
Dayum. I hastagged that photo #SveltePuig, because that’s what he looks like in this photo from spring training. It’s a great sign and hopefully he’ll be able to be a 150-game player. The slimmed physique should help with any nagging lower body/hip issues.
The Dodgers on Sunday officially announced the signing of Cuban right-hander Yaisel Sierra to a 6-year, $30 million deal. Despite some subpar numbers in Cuba, the Dodgers are betting heavily on the pure stuff and ability Sierra possesses. Eric Stephen got some good intel from Josh Byrnes this morning.
Dodgers VP Josh Byrnes said Yaisel Sierra's 4-seam fastball is up to 97-98 mph, but they also like his 2-seamer, which is at 91-93
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) February 21, 2016
Mmm, velo and movement. The Dodgers plan to develop him as a starting pitcher. Byrnes touched on what needs to happen for Sierra to remain a starter.
Josh Byrnes said Yasiel Sierra would need to work on his control and command, and his changeup to work as a starter. They like his slider.
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) February 21, 2016
More Byrnes on Sierra: "There are enough ingredients in there that gives him a chance" as a starting pitcher
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) February 21, 2016
If Sierra can’t handle the rigors of starting, he could be a fine back-of-the-bullpen reliever. He’ll be in the next prospect list (20-11), which will be published this week.
Baseball is (kinda) happening.
