Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Talks About Moment That Changed His Outlook on James Outman
James Outman has been so dang good to open the season. He leads all MLB rookies with 2 triples, 3 home runs, and a 1.429 OPS so far. Those stats are actually tops on the Dodgers as well. Everything is going right for the outfielder that forced his way onto the opening day roster with a strong spring training.
Manager Dave Roberts knew James was good. But, he told reporters about a moment that surprised even him on day one. A moment where he knew Outman was going to be the real deal this season.
“I think there was an at-bat that first series against (Dbacks opening day starter Zac) Gallen where he took a 3-2 walk – a changeup down below,” Roberts said. “For him to not panic, I think that for me was really telling. And then from that point on, he’s kind of been doing a lot of the same. So again, you got MadBum (Friday), unfazed by that and gets on a cutter first pitch (for a home run). He’s been doing great.”
Via SportsNet LA
This, of course, was before Outman’s third homer of the season, a 2-run shot off Zach Davies on Saturday night.
James Outman has been everything the Dodgers could have hoped for and more so far this season — and really, so far over the course of his big league career which now totals 13 games.
The season is still early, so some regression is coming at some point. But what we’re seeing feels like the real deal. We’re watching a legitimate rookie of the year candidate in the National League.
Now Doc, swap Him n max in the order !! I know it’s a bit too much to throw clean up at Outz right now, but at least give him some tastes of it, then if Outz is having some trouble at clean up, then, swap him n Max back for a while. Might shakw up max too. My guess is: Outz will thrive anywhere in order 1-9 , and also Max I bet will get comfy in 7 hole?