2. Alex Verdugo
This might be where we throw you, the reader, off course. The second spot in the Dodgers lineup has been exclusively reserved for Corey Seager when he is healthy. Seager represents this new wave of MLB managing where managers put the best all-around hitter at the second spot, rather than the third spot.
However, that should not be the course of action as Alex Verdugo deserves the second spot in the lineup. It might be a bit silly to give a rookie a spot this high in the order right away but Verdugo has had a solid spring that should give the Dodgers the confidence to make this move.
Verdugo is exactly what the Dodgers have been lacking. He is a left-handed bat that does not struggle against southpaws and gets on base in a myriad of ways. When on base, Verdugo opens the door to play small; he can steal bases and will arguably have the most IQ on the basepaths on the Dodgers.
One of the frustrating things about batting Seager second is the Dodgers will never sacrifice his bat to play small and set up Justin Turner. Seager has the green light every time with a runner on second and no outs, when in some instances you should be bunting there.
Because of his speed and his role at the second spot, Verdugo could be the gear that turns the Dodgers order. If Pollock leads off with a double Verdugo can bunt for a base hit, knowing that even if he does not reach first safely then the meat of the order can score Pollock from third with one out.
He is also a prime candidate to utilize the hit and run, one of the best tactics at an MLB team’s disposal that is rarely used by the Los Angeles Dodgers.