Dave Roberts Says Track Record is Paramount in Dodgers Competitions, Not Spring Stats

The Los Angeles Dodgers are confident in their lineup except for second base and center field.

Tommy Edman makes all the difference.

The position battle will come down to where Edman will primarily play and who will fill the remaining spot. For much of the winter, Edman seemed set to be the Dodgers’ everyday center fielder, with occasional chances to work into the infield.

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However, with Kiké Hernández returning to the team, it appears that one of Hyeseong Kim or Andy Pages could be left out.

Manager Dave Roberts also made it clear that a proven veteran could have an advantage in the competition.

“I think for me, track record is more paramount,” Roberts said. “It weighs better. I still evaluate each day, but I don’t look at spring numbers at all.”

That translates to don’t forget about Chris Taylor or James Outman.

Taylor is in the final year of his contract, with at least $17 million still guaranteed. Despite some redundancy in his role, Roberts has consistently praised Taylor’s value as a versatile utility player. As a result, Taylor is expected to remain on the roster.

Outman has started as the Opening Day center fielder for the past two seasons, but he has struggled with consistency at the plate since finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting in 2023.

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Both are having a rough spring.

Through Thursday, Taylor and Outman were a combined 7-for-41 with 18 strikeouts during Cactus League play.

If it has to come down to one who has proven himself in the past, one of the two roster spots has to stay with Taylor. He has shown off his versatility and been productive in big moments.

“I’ve always said that one of Chris’ superpowers — and he’s won a lot of big games for the Dodgers in the biggest of moments — is his mindset, his mentality to be ready for whatever we ask of him,” Roberts said.

“I still believe that’s a superpower, and his ability to play all over the diamond. So he’s got various gloves. He’s healthy. He’s moving really well. So it could be from third base to left field to center field, and I think after that, there’s second base in there. ‘CT’ just knows how to prepare himself.”

Taylor was named the NLCS MVP in 2017 and has accumulated 16.7 WAR over his nine seasons with the Dodgers. Throughout his career, he has played extensively in various positions, including 362 games in left field, 290 at shortstop, 209 in center field, and 170 at second base.

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Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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