LA Dodgers: The 2016-17 Outfield Formula

Heading into the off-season the LA Dodgers had the same players in the outfield as they do now.

The question that arises now is whether or not the Dodgers will keep every player in the outfield this season?

The answer to that question is yes and no.

I doubt the Dodgers would shut the door on offers from other teams regarding Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, or even Yasiel Puig.

With that in mind, I do think the Dodgers should look into seriously trading Andre Ethier, or Carl Crawford to put a dent in the payroll, instead of paying millions for inconsistent play on the field from both guys.

Which I think the Dodgers front office may already be thinking about.

Earlier this week, Phil Rogers of MLB.com reported the White Sox were exploring a deal for Ethier.

A deal with the White Sox would be a perfect chance to trade Andre Ethier, since the White Sox are looking for a left-handed bat with money to spare.

Ethier is still under contract for two more years with $35.5 million guaranteed with a $17.5 million option in 2018.

For the Dodgers, that is a ridiculous amount of money for a guy who’s most likely only going to play a few games in the outfield with an already crowded outfield.

Now, I haven’t heard any rumors surrounding Carl Crawford, but with Crawford under contract for two more years with another ludicrous price tag of $41.7 million.

For that money, it’s not worth giving Crawford so much, since he’s never fully been healthy for the Dodgers, or for any other team in his career.

So would anybody really take into consideration a deal for Crawford?

The Dodgers do!

Truthfully, the Dodgers have to, and should move on from both Ethier and Crawford; for the simple reason that they’re not worth it.

Plus, the Dodgers already have the players that could play in the outfield.

With Yasiel Puig in right field, Joc Pederson in center field, and Scott Van Slyke in left field.

That sounds like a solid outfield that could be better then the Dodgers infield, which is already stacked on the defensive side of the ball.

The above outfield would give the Dodgers youth, arm strength, a wide range of field to cover, with the offense to back it up.

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Also, don’t forget Kike Hernandez who could play center as well; and Trayce Thompson who could play either left or right field.

So, the Dodgers have plenty of options in the outfield to pick from, and have no reason to keep so many players in the outfield.

Which makes me think that the Dodgers front office will use their mathematical skills, and count all the players in the outfield, to realize they have to many players in the outfield.

I do believe Crawford, or Ethier will be traded this season, but an Ethier deal may come sooner then we think.

The Dodgers will most likely trade Ethier by April 21, before his 10-5 rights come into effect.

Next: LA Dodger Report Joins LASH Podcast

In the long run, I’m hopeful that Yasiel Puig will have a comeback year, Joc Pederson will play like he did at the beginning of last season, and Scott Van Slyke will have a breakout campaign if he’s given the opportunity.