Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Dee Gordon Readies Himself For Possible Utility Role

Dee GordonAs the Los Angeles Dodgers roster currently stands, they don’t have a veteran ready to play a utility role. Skip Schumaker and Nick Punto signed with other teams while Jerry Hairston Jr. retired to join the Dodgers new broadcast team.

Thus, Dee Gordon looks to be that guy right now as he started taking ground balls at second base towards the end of last season and played center field during his brief time with Tigres del Licey in winter ball. Talking to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, Gordon is ready to take over that role for the Dodgers next season:

If that’s what I have to do, he said. This is a great team.

Once thought of as the shortstop of the future, Gordon has struggled during his chances at the big league level. Still just 25, Gordon was solid in his first opportunity in 2011. He appeared in 56 games and hit .304 with 24 stolen bases, but the .325 OBP and 10 errors in 218 chances were alarming.

The past two years, Gordon has seen his average dip in the mid-.220’s while he still hasn’t been able to get on base while his fielding has suffered. He was put on this year’s postseason roster this year due to Andre Ethier’s leg injury and was used as a pinch runner during both series.

Hanley Ramirez will be the Dodgers shortstop moving forward, granted a contract extension is agreed to and Alexander Guerrero will be around for at least the next four years. The outfield situation doesn’t lend itself to consistent playing time and Gordon’s best chance of making the team next season is if he accepts a utility role.

It’s unlikely the Dodgers head into next season without adding at least another piece to the bench, but it sounds like Gordon is open to the idea of playing multiple positions in 2014.

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Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

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