Dodgers: Dave Roberts Reveals Final Bench Spot Down to Two Players
As we wind down to the postseason, there are still many decisions Dodgers President Andrew Friedman, and Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts need to make to fill out roster spots.
The guys at the top of the lineup are a must, and our arms, such as Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw, and Evan Phillips, to name a few, are locks to be in the postseason.
However, it starts to get tricky once you start to trim it down to the specifics and want to be precise with the types of players you have. Dave Roberts told the OC Register’s Bill Plunkett this:
“We’re still kind of figuring out the back end of the position player part of it as far as what makes sense as far as utility in a five-game series, how games can play out, what value a few guys might have versus the others.”
This is quite possibly the deepest roster Roberts has had in several years, so by no means is this an easy decision for the skipper. But Roberts did mention that he has narrowed it down to two players. He declined to talk in specifics about that final roster spot but acknowledged Vargas and Alberto offer different things.
“Obviously Hanser has a lot of value, and experience. Obviously, Miguel is more dynamic. There are some things he can do,” Roberts said.
Miguel Vargas is the Dodgers’ top-hitting prospect but has not been productive in his time in the big leagues. In 47 ABs, Vargas is only batting .170 with a .455 OPS, one home run, eight RBIs, and one stolen base. He has a ton of promise, but he might not be ready for the postseason with his limited time in the majors.
As for Hanser Alberto, he is a tremendous person to have in your clubhouse and your dugout. The seven-year vet only appeared in the postseason one time back in 2015, in which he has 10 ABs and a .200 average for the Texas Rangers.
Vargas is the more dynamic player and can be put in multiple positions throughout the field. His ceiling is higher, and there is no better time to put him through the fire than in the postseason.
Give the kid a shot and see what he’s made of.
Alberto is great, but we need some on-field contribution, and I believe Vargas has a better chance of providing that.
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I’m shocked Roberts is considering anybody other than the soul of the clubhouse, Alberto. If Roberts was manager of any other team he’d be unemployed. I believe he is the luckiest manager in baseball. They are such a talented team and it often covers up phis mediocrity.
The best argument for Alberto is that we do not want either of these guys taking at bats and it then comes down to who is better to have on the bench. Hanser sucks at the plate but less so than Miggy has if it came down to needing one of them to hit. Sure, Vargus could break out, but this is not spring training and the last time you’d want to be trying to develop a kid. It gets tougher in the post season and you want to make sure you have your best guys in there.
Hopefully Roberts doesn’t choke this year ..if he does he should be gone.!!!!? (No world series).FIRED!!!
You sir,,are a moron
Easy choice here. Hanser for maturity and utility experience. Also reliever if needed.
Vargas Is not the answer this is not the minor leagues nor is it spring training. You guys think I’m crazy but I put Max at third Mookie at second find yourself a short stop get Judge put Chris in left to see if he gets hot And put Cody in right and pray we can’t depend upon minors and prospects at this point definitely go for Corea pitching May be a little expensive but look what he has done for San Fran I wouldn’t lose him. One more choice Justin at third Max at second leave Mookie and right get rid of Cody