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Dodgers news: Grading their off-season moves

By Evan Lovett

Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Franklin Gutierrez (21) looks up after hitting a three-home run during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Franklin Gutierrez (21) looks up after hitting a three-home run during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Analysis: Gutierrez will be 34 years old on Opening Day. The Dodgers already have eight other outfielders competing for five spots. So why bring in the right-handed, one-time Gold Glove winner relying now on a late-career power surge?

Because amongst Hernandez, Ruf, Yasiel Puig, Trayce Thompson and Scott Van Slyke, there is not a right-handed bat that Dave Roberts can count on – and maybe Gutierrez is that bat.

With 10 home runs in only 98 games in 2016 and a .974 OPS in 2015 (albeit in limited playing time), Gutierrez provides some immediate pop and a veteran presence in a club that has meshed young and old with aplomb under the Friedman and Roberts power duo.

This is a low-risk, high-reward signing.

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