Dodgers: Roberts Talks About 5 Young Pitchers Set to Play Huge Roles in LA
With both Jacob deGrom and Justin Verlander off the boards, the free-agent market doesn’t have a ton of high-end starting pitching available. Still, the Dodgers intend to add a starter or two at some point this offseason, either via free agency or trade.
But even if L.A. can’t add anyone, they have a lot of potential within their organization. During his media scrum at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts was asked those young arms and how they might contribute in 2023.
“Ryan [Pepiot] did a lot of growth this year. I think that he did a nice job. I think Michael Grove, in the short samples, did a really nice job. He’s going to be in play.”
“I think Bobby Miller, as far as stuff, we’ve all heard about it. Love the compete. Love the body, the head. We’re going to see him this year. We’re going to see Bobby this year. How much? That’s up to him.
“A guy that’s really interesting that we’re going to be talking a lot about going forward is Gavin Stone. Got a chance to see him a little bit before the postseason and talked to him, and he’s a special young talent, makeup.
“And then you’re talking about Andre Jackson who finished strong for us. So we’ve got some guys in the hopper that I know are going to be able to back fill on the pitching side.”
The Dodgers have four starters basically locked into their rotation: Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. There’s a ton of upside there, but also potential for some injured list time or the need for an extra day off here and there. Having those five young players available will be a huge boon for L.A. as they battle to win the NL West for the 10th time in 11 years.
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doesnt matter who is pitching or hitting as long as Roberts is manager Dodgers are not winning a ‘ship.
Sting – sadly I agree with you. For one he doesn’t appear to be a motivational manager, basically an order taker.
When I look at what San Diego has done to their team over the last year or so, I become quite concerned. We lost some outstanding pitching to other teams. And while Kershaw and Urias are studs, I do worry about the rest of the starters. Add in losing Trea Turner, and I fully expect our offensive production will not be as good during the 2023 regular season as opposed to 2022 regular season. Honestly, it feels like we are going downhill. Relying on several rookies or youngsters to improve our club in 2023 does not instill a lot of confidence in me.
well, they did “win a ship”.
can’t blame dave for this year’s collapse. players relaxed too much after clinching too early. last year. They were beat up from trying to catch the giants the previous summer.
they need to add some gd toughness and grit (kirk gibson wouldn’t let anyone get complacent), stay healthy, get buehler back and maybe see what’s out there in the trade market.
i’m glad they didn’t overspend on this FA class. although, i would’ve liked correa for that toughness he’d bring.
Should have Bauer back when suspension is reduced to one year.
That’s hilarious.
I predict that Pepiot, Grove, and Jackson will be traded at some point. When? I don’t know. One or all could be included in a Corbin Burnes trade.
Very excited to get to see Gavin Stone
I’m not defending Dave Roberts. However, I believe the most difficult part of being a major league manager is managing the pitching staff. Maybe by giving the main decisions to a pitching coach instead of the “brain trust” might be the way to go. Unfortunately, that could bruise some egos.
Agree with you Glen. Especially in the Playoffs, the game seems to move too fast for him on the pitching front. I like Roberts, but one of the more recent examples is Vesia not being ready for what ended up being the Dodgers last game of 2022. Sometimes he looks like a deer in the headlights.
Collapse ,, pitching gave out with injuries… what team were you guys watching ?. Roberts is the best manager they have had in a long time. Go with the youth movement, go a lot of talent in the AA,AAA farm system. I would have avoided all of the overspending at all cost. Those teams who cashed in will eventually regret those moves.
Agree TeeDogg.
Preller is good at creating logjams and getting bogged down with long contracts given to 30 year olds. Signing Bogaerts when he already had 2 shortstops is just like when he signed Hosmer when he had Meyers at first base.
The guy constructs a roster like a fourth grader.