January 10th, 2021 at 10:15 am 
by Ron Cervenka Throughout its storied 151-year history, the Dodgers have had several “official” team captains, albeit very few. And while it is generally accepted that 10-time All-Star and Hall of Fame infielder Pee Wee Reese, who retired from the game following the 1958 season, remains the most well-known Dodgers team captain, there were several other official team captains after Reese retired. They were: Duke Snider (1962), Maury Wills (1963-66), Willie Davis (1973), and Davey Lopes (1978-79).
Although there has been no definitive answer as to exactly why the Dodgers – and pretty much every team in Major League Baseball – did away with the once prestigious honor and title, its demise (so to speak) appears to coincide with the beginning of free agency in 1976.
That was 45 years ago.
Even though the position of team captain, which the players voted on, did not carry any financial benefits, it was a tremendous and well-respected honor to be a team’s captain.
Since its demise, several Dodger players have been referred to as the team’s “unofficial team captain” – guys like Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, A.J. Ellis, and, of course, future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. But hands down, the most recent unofficial team captain has been 36-year-old (now free-agent) Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner; in fact, it isn’t even close
Therein lies the problem.
With each passing day, it’s looking more and more as though the extremely popular Southern California native and lifelong Dodger fan, whom the team signed as a free agent on February 6, 2014, has already played his last game in a Dodgers uniform, although this has yet to become official.
It was recently reported that Turner (through his agent Greg Genske of VaynerBaseball agency) is seeking a four-year free-agent contract, either with the Dodgers or anyone else willing to agree to such a lengthy contract; of which, to date, there have been none.
Meaning absolutely no disrespect whatsoever to Turner, a four-year deal would take him through his age-40 season, which, in all likelihood, isn’t going to happen – at least not by Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman.
So who, then, would become the Dodgers’ new unofficial team captain if Turner does, in fact, leave the team?
This one is a no-brainer – it would undoubtedly be future Hall of Famer Mookie Betts who, on July 22, 2020, signed a 12-year/$365 million contract extension that will keep him in Dodger Blue through the 2032 season.
It’s no secret that during the Dodgers World Series Championship 2020 season, the 28-year-old Nashville, TN native and fifth-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2011 out of Overton High School in Nashville, TN, often called closed-door team meetings; something that a team captain would do – unofficial or otherwise. And say what you will about Mookie Betts; he is very highly thought of and well respected by his teammates, coaching staff, and fans. In other words, like the old E.F. Hutton commercials used to say: when Mookie Betts talks, “…people listen.”
Although you would be hard-pressed to find any Dodger fan who doesn’t want Turner to finish out his wonderful MLB career as a Dodger, should he end up leaving, Mookie Betts should – and will – become the Dodgers new team captain.
…unofficial or otherwise.
Play Ball!
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Turner and his agent may be overplaying their hand. What happens if Cleveland calls and says what is Jose Ramirez worth to you, we would like to trade him. Then Turner might be a player without a team.
Ramirez is on such a team friendly contract the Dodgers could easily sign Turner and add Ramirez. Ramirez can play 2b and 3b, Turner 3b, 1b, a little 2b and DH. Friedman is a TOUGH negotiator, Turner and his agent don’t get extra points for being nice negotiators. The supposition of Turner going to the Braves, Nationals, or perhaps even the Cardinals is a little unsettling.
I doubt Freidman would like to go more than 2 yrs 35 mil for JT
I think you nailed the AAV — add a third year vesting option and JT will sign on the dotted line
I think Friedman is only playing with the idea of signing DJLM to press JT’s willingness to sign for 2 with an option year AND as a bonus to possibly drive UP the cost of LeMahieu to the Yankees. Never hurts to cause a potential post season opponent more money.
What I REALLY fantasize about is the Dodgers signing Turner AND shocking everyone by signing DJLM too!! Lux might stick around as utility to deal with Kike’s likely loss, or he might be dealt at mid season to address any needs then. Yeah, I know. I’m likely hallucinating but it IS fun to dream.
Turner has been great as a Dodger but I say no to signing him for anything over 2 years.
I can’t think of much to add or say about DJ or Turner. Except, whomever makes the 26 man? I will welcome them and defend them.
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I read one of Tommy’s books a few years back and it seems that if he seen a player not focusing on the game. He’d pick a fight with them to get em squared away!
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Anyhow I still reading what ya all put on the screen, keep on keep’n on!