Dodgers Video: Miguel Vargas is Hitting with JD Martinez
Last week, we saw Dodgers rookie Miguel Vargas working on defense with his new veteran teammate Miguel Rojas down in Florida. The workouts were taking place at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, just outside of Fort Lauderdale.
It didn’t cross my mind at the time, but I probably should have thought of JD Martinez at the time. Like Vargas and Rojas, Martinez is based in Miami in the offseason. And like Vargas, Martinez has Cuban parents, although Martinez’s parents came to the U.S. before he was born. But perhaps most notably, Martinez actually attended Nova Southeastern, where the Miggys were working out.
So it came as no surprise to learn that Martinez got involved, too.
Vargas is immensely talented, but maybe the most impressive thing about him has been his desire to get better. Working on defense with an elite defender like Rojas, then working on hitting with a great hitter like Martinez, it all just puts a smile on my face. Martinez is well known for his influence on helping his teammates improve, and it’s great to see him filling that role even before he’s ever played a game for the Dodgers.
Los Angeles is going to miss Justin Turner’s leadership in the clubhouse, in the dugout, and on the field. But with Martinez and Rojas coming in, the leadership won’t look exactly the same, but the void will definitely be filled. What a great atmosphere for Vargas to be in for his rookie season, with everyone on his side helping him be his best.
