Yeah, it was only a spring exhibition game – first of the Cactus League for both teams – and against the White Sox, with whom the Dodgers share the Camelback Ranch facility, BUT IT IS BASEBALL! … with actual pitching, catching, throwing, running bases, and hitting after a long, frigid Hot Stove League.
Not to make too much of player performances in what are often (and erroneously) referred to as “meaningless spring training games”, but it was good to see Justin Turner, Kiké Hernandez, and Joc Pederson hitting the ball hard (Pederson with a massive home run), and roster pitchers Rich Hill, Yimi Garcia, Jamie Schultz, and Josh Sborz doing their thing; no hits, no runs, no walks, and five strikeouts over four innings pitched.
Austin Barnes and Russell Martin, under team (and fan) scrutiny had nice games as well, Barnes with two hits, Martin with one plus and a couple of RBI. Prospects Gavin Lux and Matt Beaty chipped in with a hit apiece.
Overall, Dodgers regular position players struck out only twice (Pederson and Kiké) in 19 plate appearances – a very good start indeed.
Angels on Sunday and Cubbies on Monday!
PLAY BALL!
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Was I the only one who was cringing when the WSox guy pitched inside and tight to Justin Turner? I was thinking that JT might be better off starting to wear some of the armor Barry Bonds was rockin’ at the end of his career. (Unless it’s been banned…)
Nope; you were not alone!
It was banned.
Too bad.
(salesman’s voice) May I interest you in some thick, very well-padded “sweat bands” (that happen to run from wrist to elbow)?
To me, it seems like the baseball season ended a month ago.