Dodgers: Five questions that must be answered during Spring Training
By Jason Reed
1. Who is going to be the setup man for Kenley Jansen?
The Los Angeles Dodgers had two setup guys throughout all of 2017 that helped give LA one of the best bullpens in baseball. With Kenley Jansen shutting batters down in the ninth, the depth in the eighth inning only made the Dodgers that much harder to beat.
For most of the season, that role went to Pedro Baez, who was lights out throughout the year. However, a September meltdown lost Baez the role and ultimately kept him off of the playoff roster.
Then, Brandon Morrow took over the role and thrived in the postseason; pitching all seven games of the World Series. However, Morrow is now out the door and will most likely assume closer duties in Chicago for the Cubs.
Thus, the Dodgers are at a bit of a crossroads. LA cannot just give the job back to Baez, he is going to have to earn it with solid production throughout the year after that awful September meltdown.
New southpaw Scott Alexander is an excellent option and gives the Dodgers a nice L/R punch at the backend of games. However, LA may be looking to use Alexander as a rally killer a la Andrew Miller for the Indians.
Regardless of who Dave Roberts and Rick Honeycutt go with, Spring Training is going to be a huge indication of who it should be.