Editorials

10 Dodgers Offseason Storylines To Watch

On the previous page, we looked at some general issues within the organization. While those will obviously require solid solutions if the Dodgers hope to enjoy a successful offseason, the points below simply cannot go unanswered, as the repercussions would last years after this one.

5. Yasiel Puig



Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

We already mentioned the issues in right field, but Yasiel deserves a section of his own here. The talent is inarguable. Sure, there might be concern opposing pitching staffs have figured out how to pitch to him, but it’s hard to overlook what he brings both offensively and defensively. There are also questions as to how he gets along with his teammates, so those need to be answered as well.

The issue is he simply doesn’t hold enough value to garner a deal worth making from the Dodgers’ side of things. His contract – especially when compared to his teammates – is very workable. You’d have to think he makes it through the winter and to Spring Training on the roster. Now, whether he makes it through all of next season will probably remain a question throughout the season.

4. Health

Was it just me or did it feel like the entire roster dealt with strained or pulled hamstrings at some point or another? It’s semi-understandable given the length of the season that teams would deal with injuries, but it became almost laughable as last season went along. Whether it’s personnel, nutrition, conditioning, finding more time to rest or whatever, the Dodgers need to find a way to stay more consistently healthy. Stan Conte has already resigned from his posts as vice president of medical services and head athletic trainer, so filling the position will be underratedly important this offseason, as the Dodgers were in the top five of the MLB for games lost to injury.

3. Cutting Salary

A prevalent (and lazy) narrative as the Dodgers were getting knocked out of the playoffs was how in yet another season where they were near or at the top of MLB salaries they failed to make the World Series. Yes, because of the inordinately deep pockets the Dodgers are working with they’ll be able to spend more than anyone else. That does not mean, however, spending equals success. Regardless of the budget, allocation of resources is always incredibly important.

2. Zack Greinke

Here is where the allocation of resources comes into play. Spending all kinds of money on outfielders like Ethier or Crawford might be fine in a vacuum with such deep pockets. When that money is better-used elsewhere (you know, like bringing back that Greinke guy) those salaries look all the more painful. Greinke loves it in Los Angeles and is a large reason the franchise has made it to the playoffs each of the last three seasons. So long as the salary is reasonable, bringing him back should be the top priority for Friedman and the front office.

1. Find A Manager

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Before you yell at me for placing too high a priority on finding a new manager (and part of me agrees with you, statistically speaking), let me put this as plainly and as clearly as I can. I’m not saying whoever the Dodgers hire could potentially guarantee a World Series victory or even anything more than Don Mattingly was able to accomplish. There’s no way of knowing that, regardless of how excited fans might get at the names brought up and eventually hired.

Managers and coaches in general impact the game much more negatively than they do positively – meaning they’re much more likely to mess a game up than miraculous will their team to victory. In this sense, the best we can hope for is whoever the Dodgers do bring on doesn’t completely mess up the momentum the franchise has garnered over the last few years. It’s an admittedly dark thought to have, but hiring the “wrong” manager (again, no real way of knowing until the season(s) play out) would legitimately be the worst thing the Dodgers’ front office could do this offseason. No pressure, Mr. Friedman.

Why You Should Get To Know Gabe Kapler

Previous page 1 2

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button