Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: Management Still Searching For Bench Help

[new_royalslider id=”33″]

With the regular season about to kick off, albeit for just two games in Australia, the Los Angeles Dodgers roster is for the most part set. A shortened Spring Training saw roster battles play out quick and results during the spring matter more.

While the Dodgers have Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig, their bench remains one of the glaring weaknesses on a team with such star power. Chone Figgins, who was out of baseball in 2013, Justin Turner, Mike Baxter and Tim Federowicz figure to make up the bench along with Scott Van Slyke. Due to their lack of depth, the Dodgers are searching for bench help according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:



Not surprisingly, considering all of their questions, the Dodgers continue to look for bench help, according to major league sources.

The Dodgers bench will have just two players from the 2013 team as Nick Punto, Skip Schumaker and Jerry Hairston Jr. all moved on. When Matt Kemp comes back from left ankle surgery, one of the four outfielders will sit out each night, giving it the star power it currently lacks.

Alex Guerrero figures to start the season in the minors rather than waste away on the bench while Dee Gordon could become a key piece if he finds himself without a starting role in June or July. Erisbel Arruebarrena could also become a member of the bench down the road, but getting at-bats at the minor league level seems best for him.

Reliever Javy Guerra was designated for assignment yesterday and a trade could be worked out to get a bench piece. Other than that, it isn’t exactly clear who or what the Dodgers could give up to add another reserve. Hopefully, unlike last season the Dodgers won’t have to rely so heavily on the backups, but it sounds like GM Ned Colletti would like to upgrade the unit.

_____________________________________________________________________

ICYMI: Dee Gordon talks about his pre-game rituals, Australia and music

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button