July 30th, 2019 at 11:00 am 
by 0799291000348 “That’s all I can stands – I can’t stands no more!” – Popeye (circa mid-1930’s)
Let’s be honest, the Joc Pederson first base experiment was bad from the beginning (see June 29 article “What to do with Joc Pederson”) and, if anything, is getting worse.
It is painful to watch the errors, those that show up in the box score as well as those that are not recorded but result in extra at-bats for the opposing team, and unnecessary pitches for Dodgers starters and relievers. It now seems that the frustration (and perhaps embarrassment) of Pederson’s poor defensive play is affecting his psyche. It may also be affecting other infielders, as they know that anything other than a perfect throw to first base may result in a misplay by Pederson, for which they may be charged with a throwing error.
Although far less obvious, Dodgers center fielder AJ Pollock’s 2019 defense has actually been even worse than Pederson’s (see Fangraphs advanced fielding stats; defensive runs saved, and ultimate zone rating).
Even though the 31-year-old Hebron, CT native and Arizona Diamondbacks first round draft pick in 2009 out of Notre Dame has not (yet) been officially charged with an error this season, Pollock’s below average arm strength and lack of range rates him as a significant defensive liability for the Dodgers.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, considered by many to be a ‘players manager’ for supporting and sticking with veterans even through difficult periods and even injuries. To his credit, Roberts doesn’t make knee-jerk decisions that can undermine the confidence of his players. He is a more deliberate and encouraging leader. But leadership also includes having to make difficult decisions that ultimately places the team before players’ egos.
With two months remaining in the regular season, it’s time for Roberts to exercise that team-first leadership quality and make changes that, although not popular (especially for an eight-year MLB veteran like A.J. Pollock), must be made.
(Image courtesy of Cot’s Baseball Contracts)
Alex Verdugo is unquestionably the best defensive center fielder on the team. As such, it’s time to move Pollock to left field, with Alex becoming the regular center fielder. Pollock will not like the move, but if he is a true team player then he should accept the position change without grumbling.
But changing positions is minor when compared to the other change that should be made – Pollock platooning with Pederson in left field. This move opens up first base for the far superior Max Muncy which, in turn, opens up second base for Kiké Hernandez (upon his return from the 10-day injured list), or Chris Taylor, or Dodgers top-ranked infield prospect Gavin Lux, who has nothing left to prove at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
There is the possibility that Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman may trade Pederson or Pollock before Wednesday’s 4:00 PM (ET) trade deadline for some much-needed pitching help. The Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly searching for outfield help.
‘Team-first’ applies throughout the entire organization. The time is now to make the necessary changes to put the Dodgers in position to become the 2019 World Championship.
Go Dodgers!
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Posted in 
Thanks Jesse, could’ve have worded it better myself!
😉
Jesse, just to let you know I have been saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH as far as Joc at 1st base for over a week now. If Pollock would agree without grumbling to switch to LF then fine. He bats RH and as I see it that area is still a weakness on this team. RH bats are minimal at best with exception of Turner, but he cannot be expected to provide RH sock by himself.
It has been the consensus (if not unanimous) of Dodgers fans for more than a month that Joc at first base was/is a mistake
With a 14 game lead and the best record in baseball, you can afford to try Joc at 1B.
Pollock is a solid defender. Errors happen. Colorado has the largest acreage in the league to cover. Give him a break.
Willie Davis made three errors in an inning in the World Series, he was sill the best defender (with the exception on Mays) in baseball.
The Dodgers played their worst game of the year. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. These emotional calls for changes are ridiculous. Want to change spots in the standings with the Giants? We could lose 20 in a row and we’d still be in first place.
Wins have spoiled this fan base. Enjoy the ride and stop complaining when we lose a couple.
The point is that they have tried Joc and the results (stats) speak for themselves, he is one of the worst fielding first basemen in MLB. And, I think the stress of playing so poorly is effecting the rest of his game. His teammates are not saying anything publicly, but when a pitcher does his job to retire a hitter on a ground ball he has to be shaking his head when Joc kicks the ball, or drops a throw, or makes another poor throw. This “experiment” has been going on for well over a month and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Regarding Pollock’s centerfield defense; I referenced Fangraphs advanced fielding stats – perhaps you should look them up. The facts, not emotion, are that Pollock’s CF defense has significantly declined since the 2015 season, was below average in 2018, and so far this season one of the worst in MLB. It is not one game, look up the stats.
31 games over .500 and best record in the league. A 15 1/2 game lead. These are the times you test theories, try out people at new positions. It is ridiculous to complain about it. I could understand if this was a pennant race, but it’s July 31st and its over. The Giants don’t have a telescope and buzzer system to steal signs and the pennant this time.
They can make expirimental moves to better the team now, because in the long run, being able to put out a lineup with Pederson, Muncy, Pollack, Bellinger, Verdugo, Turner, Seager all at once is making the team better.
There was a Dodger outfielder that they put at shortstop in 1972 that had to learn the position in the Big League level that was making errors left and right. He was booed, everyone wanted Wills out there and it was definitely unfair to have him learn the position in the bigs, but he did and he eventually became the longest tenured LA Dodger in history. One month plus of playing 1B (and not full-time) is nothing.
I’ll trust you on the Pollack metrics without looking them up. I’d be happier with him in LF, but he’s not killing us in center either, I can think of a lot more serious problems…e.g. Jansen. Now that guy, he’s a problem.
The divisional race may be nearly over, but the pennant race continues. Having the best record is very helpful for a pennant run.
Continuing to play Joc at first will lead to a lessening of team morale (just as too many blown saves does). As Jesse points out, the other infielders must have Joc’s poor glove work in the back of their heads.
I am not sure why the Dodgers view Pollock as exclusively a CF. In AZ, he was CF by default, since their other outfielders were more bat than glove. Verdugo is clearly a superior CF and should play there.
I would also like to see Pollock abandon the HR swing. In 2015 he hit 315 with his SO rate at 13.4%. In 2018 he hit 257 with a SO rate of 22.5%.
Was never much of a fan of Bill Russell.
Pollock is a below average defender. He belongs in LF platooning with Joc. The Dodgers are going to wind up regretting the contract they gave AJ. Forcing Joc to play 1B so they can hand Poolock a starting job has had a terrible chain reaction on the team defense. I’m sure Joc is quite embarrassed by his defense at 1st. So much so it’s affecting his offensive output. Piling on him last night for not running out a ball that was already in the 1st baseman’s glove was stupid. AF and Doc created this situation not Joc.
Exactly! If Pederson, or less likely Pollock, is not traded today, then one will be traded in the off season