Los Angeles Dodgers: Australia Roster Revealed
By Jason Gold
Oct 6, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers, shortstop Hanley Ramirez (13) celebrates with right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) after scoring a run in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in game three of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Dodgers have arrived in Australia to kick off the 2014 Major League Baseball season! After a very short spring training the Dodgers look to kick off what promises to be one of the best seasons in recent memory in a positive manner.
The Dodgers have assembled what I consider an incredibly eclectic roster for their trip to Australia. But before we get to the roster I want to share the Sydney Cricket Grounds stadium time-lapse field construction video with you.
Ok, back to the Dodgers Opening Day roster.
Australia Roster
Pitchers
Outfielders
—— Who in the heck is Mike Baxter?!?!
Infielders
Alexander Guerrero
Catchers
This is an incredibly interesting roster and will give Dodger fans their first opportunity to see Joc Pederson and, potentially, Zach Lee in the MLB. While this trip to Australia is certainly exciting, it isn’t as fueled by star power as we once thought it might be. Here are the players that aren’t in Sydney.
Will not attend because his fiancé is expected to deliver the couples first child.
Still getting back into playing shape. Could be ready for the Dodgers stateside season opener against the San Diego Padres.
The expected 2nd starter suffered a minor calf injury early in Spring Training and will get work with the minor league teams in Arizona. Greinke is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Haren is completely healthy but there was no reason to take him to Australia as he is the Dodgers 4th starter. The team has decided that bringing younger players and more long relievers to Australia would be best for business and would allow Haren to continue working on a normal schedule in Arizona.
It looks as though League’s time with the Dodgers may be up soon. After struggling for the majority of last season and posting a 16+ ERA in Spring Training the Dodgers decided they didn’t need League’s services in Australia and that he should stay in Arizona. While I’m sure the Dodgers don’t want to eat League’s salary, they know as well as we know that he’s no longer an effective pitcher. Sometimes you have to cut the chord. It’s time Ned.