How the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup should look in 2018
By Jason Reed
The bench:
- Joc Pederson
- Enrique Hernandez
- Yasmani Grandal
- Jake Peter
- Matt Kemp/Andrew Toles
The Dodgers have a mix of veterans, young players and versatile players that allows them to back-up every single position with only five guys. First things first there is the other side of the platoon in left field. Depending on the matchup, either Andrew Toles or Matt Kemp will find themselves on the bench as a pinch-hitting option late in games.
Joining them in the outfield is traditional outfielder Joc Pederson. Pederson, who saw time in left field to end 2017, is the perfect power hitting option to back up any of the three outfield positions. In the right matchups, Pederson’s electric power has the potential to do a lot of damage. The only problem is, like with Grandal, Pederson is far too inconsistent and strikes out a ton.
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Enrique Hernandez can also back up in the outfield and may even get the Opening Day start against Madison Bumgarner, someone he historically mashes. Hernandez can back up literally any position for the Dodgers and should be the go-to guy against left-handed pitching when someone needs an off day.
Then there is Jake Peter, who the Dodgers just acquired in a three-team trade. The left-handed hitting infielder can play any spot in the infield as well as the corner outfield spots, providing the same versatility as Hernandez.
Peter may eventually blossom into the everyday platoon mate of Logan Forsythe, but first, he must prove himself as a role player.
Last but not least there is Yasmani Grandal, who we talked about in the last side. When Dave Roberts and Bob Geren hand pick matchups for Grandal he can be an effective, veteran backstop. If he wants his starting job back, he is going to need to make the most of his opportunities.
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Overall, the Los Angeles Dodgers insane depth is showcased in their lineup. The Dodgers have guys that would start n many other teams on their bench; they have guys at the bottom of their order that would be at the top of others. If everyone performs to expectations, these Los Angeles Dodgers will again be deadly in 2018.