Dodgers News And Rumors: Platoon May Be Option At Second Base
The two big question marks heading into the regular season for the Los Angeles Dodgers is who’ll fill out the fifth spot in the starting rotation and who will be the Dodgers starting second baseman. Granted the team just recently started spring training, Don Mattingly has yet to make a decision about either of these positions. Although Alex Guerrero is still learning the position and making strides, Mattingly may be taking an alternative plan of action to tackle the problem at second base: a platoon.
Although Mattingly hopes he won’t have to rely on two players, a platoon at second would mean two players are sharing the same position. This course of action has its positives and negatives. As a pro, this plan of action would give the Dodgers more time to choose who they want to see more consistent time at second base by giving two guys a chance to prove themselves. With Guerrero, Justin Turner, Dee Gordon, Chose Figgins and Miguel Rojas all competing for the starting spot and the back up positions as well, this could give the Dodgers extra time to solidify each of these spots. Mattingly mentioned that, if he were to utilize a platoon, Guerrero and Gordon would be a likely pairing.
With a different guy at second base every game, everyday players have to continually adjust to whoever is starting for that particular game. Obviously, Mattingly is trying to avoid a platoon if at all possible, but his decision will depend on how the competing second basemen perform for the remainder of camp.
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Dodgers News
Veterans Beckett and Haren making strides – ESPN LA
Dodgers Digest Mailbag: Outfield Shuffle, SP Prospects, Playoffs – Dodgers Digest
A Platoon At Second Base Is a Bad Idea – Lasorda’s Lair
Mattingly: Brass’ support sends message to team – Dodgers.com
Many Dodgers fans might not be able to watch SportsNet LA – CBSSports.com
MLB News
Bailey, Reds agree to six-year, $105 million deal – MLB.com
MLB officially drops Biogenesis lawsuit – CBSSports.com
Derek Jeter: ‘The time is right’ – ESPN.com
Orioles Sigh Ubaldo Jimenez – MLB Trade Rumors
GM Wren, manager Gonzalaz get extenstions – Yahoo! Sports
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