Dodgers: Three ways to handle the potential platoon at second base
By Jason Reed
2. Sign Stephen Drew
Realistically, the free agent class this offseason is very top heavy with little to get excited about after the big name stars. Second base is a position in particular that lacks any star power. Neil Walker and Brandon Phillips are the only viable starting options and even that may be a stretch for most MLB teams.
Utley is included in this free agent class, however, as noted before it may be his time to hang ’em up. If Utley wants to give it one more go, the Dodgers very well could sign him to another one-year deal to fill the veteran role.
If not, the next best option is veteran second baseman Stephen Drew. Now, Drew is not the most polarizing name by any stretch of the imagination. However, he does give the Dodgers at least some options at second base to roll with.
Last season, the left-handed hitting Drew hit .244 against right-handed pitching. Not the greatest, but his .260 career average against right-handers is promising. Drew would not provide an everyday platoon at second base however like Taylor would. Instead, adding Drew would allow Forsythe to get his reps against right-handers in, resting every fourth or so game in favor of Drew’s bat.
This move is not the most awe-inspiring and certainly would save the Dodgers some money this offseason. While it is not great, it is better than nothing.
*Revisions: Fixed “J.D. Drew” to “Stephen Drew”