Dodgers: Dave Roberts’ Confidence Grows with Gavin Lux in Centerfield
As former top prospect Gavin Lux continues to carve himself out a role as the ultimate utility man for the Dodgers this year, his development in the centerfield may come as great news to the organization.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed his optimism about Lux’s ability to improve at his new position, saying that his confidence level in the 23-year old IF/OF is growing “immensely.”
“I think the one part of it is the athlete and the buy-in, the will to get better,” Roberts said. “And I can see just an aggressiveness. And there’s no tentativeness as far as attacking the baseball.”
Roberts said his second year player’s willingness to do whatever is asked of him for the betterment of the club is notable during his position carousel.
“His just kind of buy-in to whatever helps the ballclub, I think, has been huge for us,” Roberts said. “Huge boost.”
Roberts made clear that Lux is still viewed as a middle infielder but said his seamless transition to the outfield when needed can only benefit him and the team.
The Dodgers skipper alluded to the success of utility man Chris Taylor when talking about the value of being able to shift Lux around the diamond.
“I think his value has increased for me,” Roberts said. “Look no further than Chris Taylor, what he’s done and could argue he’s an MVP for our ballclub.”
While it’s still relatively premature to discern whether he has ultimately found his groove at the new position, Roberts conceded that Lux has become a nice asset to the club given his adaptability.
“Gavin’s still in the infancy of his career but I think seeing this makes us value him even more,” Roberts said.
Lux has made 14 total starts in the outfield, four of which have been in center this season.
Lux’s batting average is up to .243 with 46 RBIs following the recent tear he’s been on since being brought up from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
NEXT: Cody Bellinger Talks About Rib Injury, Potential Return from IL
You can plug him into any outfield or infield position. That’s invaluable to me as Seager, is often injured, and Trey Turner might not be there next season.
Trea Turner is under team control next year.
It’s unlikely they will keep bellinger, and resign both seager and taylor, so assuming one of them is gone, lux becomes next years taylor at the least.
Many believe Seager will not be back next year as he and his agent Boras will get a huge contract from the Yankees or other East Coast clubs.
T Turner will return next year as he has one more year under contract. The question is do the Dodgers decide to extend him?
All of us are hoping the Dodger re-sign Taylor. He has been the MVP of the club followed closely by Muncy.
Do the Dodgers re-sign Kershaw, Jansen, and Kelly? I think they do with 2-year deals.
How the Bauer situation unfolds will determine if the Dodgers sign Scherzer. Does Bauer pitch next year?
How long will the strike be?
Seager, Kersh, Kenley, and Taylor will all be gone. Kelly is a maybe. Scherzer will absolutely be back, and Trea will sign an extension. We also have an opportunity to add Freddie Freeman and Kris Bryant, which is an opportunity that will never come back.
Lux is doing an admirable job in centerfield. Too bad he will be benched in favor of coach’s son (Bellinger) once Cody is available
If Bellinger gets back, it would mean either Pollock, CT3 or Lux sits in order for Belinger to be in starting lineup.
But….
That’s Roberts for ya.
Beaty will or should have more animosity for the DRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR experiment than anyother team. I predict the Vagiants will sign him, he’ll hit 280 and play 1st base for them…Zaidi knows what a F-up DRRRRRRRR is….
Love Lux!! He came back with a vengeance and is raking! Too bad AJ has to play LF, and Betts in RF. Can we hide a newbie CF in CF in the playoffs? Hitting ~.400 – sure can!!
Good stuff keep it coming