Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Talks About What JD Martinez Brings to LA Clubhouse

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their playoff hero and fan favorite this past winter, Justin Turner. His departure filled a huge void in the lineup and, more importantly, in the clubhouse.

Nonetheless, that’s the business of the game, and the Dodgers understand that. The Dodgers went ahead and signed a replacement, and a pretty good one at that, in JD Martinez. Martinez signed with LA in December and will play a huge role in the LA lineup this season.

Not only will he bring his power bat to the Dodgers lineup, but he will be a great presence in the clubhouse. Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts spoke with the media earlier this week and described what JD could bring to the team on and off the field.

“When you lose guys that have been around and had experience [like a Justin Turner], to fill that void with somebody who’s also as accomplished as the other guys, I think adds a little bit of, I don’t know, calmness is not the right word, but it just adds that kind of confidence to the clubhouse, I think. And it’s a different perspective, different experiences. J.D. is an extension of me and the coaches. I mean, he and Robert (Von Scoyoc) have a great relationship and he’s always kind of speaking the right thing. So just very additive having him on the club.”

Martinez has been one of the league’s best sluggers in the league for some time. His consistency and dependability in the lineup will be huge for the Boys in Blue.

The 35-year-old signed a one-year deal worth $10 million and will try to win his second World Series title with the Dodgers and his friend, Mookie Betts. The journey will be one worth watching, and we can’t wait to see the impact JD will have in Dodger blue.