March 22nd, 2023 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 One month ago, February 22, we considered several multiple choice questions facing the Dodgers as they began spring training 2023. As promised, we will take a look in the rear view mirror and see how we scored.
First question: What would the Dodgers do if either catcher, Austin Barnes or Will Smith, are placed on the IL for an extended period.
- A. Promote the team’s top prospect, Diego Cartaya.
- B. Use one of the current Minor League journeymen catchers: David Freitas, Hamlet Marte, or Patrick Mazeika.
- C. Promote Minor League catching prospects Hunter Feduccia, or Carson Taylor.
- D. None of the above, the team will trade for another catcher.
My choice was A. Not only is the precocious 21-year-old Cartaya the Dodgers top prospect, but he is also already on the 40-man roster, and 2023 will eat one of his three option years. Hunter Feduccia has outplayed all of the other NRI catchers this Spring. Adding him to the 40-man roster may be a technicality easily handled by the front office.
Final answer: A
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Next, who will be the Dodgers fifth starter when the 2023 regular season begins?
- A. Dustin May
- B. Bobby Miller
- C. Jimmy Nelson
- D. Ryan Pepiot
- E. Gavin Stone
My choice was D, however with Tony Gonsolin starting the season on the IL (seemingly injury prone) it appears the Dodgers will need a fifth and a fourth starter for the first month of the season. It seems likely that both Pepiot and May will be in the starting rotation. By his spring training performance, Gavin Stone has demonstrated that he is ready now to pitch for the Dodgers, but that will not happen until later this season.
Final answer: D with A (May) becoming the fourth starter
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Which reliever will be designated the Dodgers closer at the start of the regular season?
- A. Brusdar Graterol
- B. Daniel Hudson
- C. Evan Phillips
- D. Alex Vesia
- E. None of the above, Dodgers will close by committee to start the season
My choice was E, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that the team does not have a designated closer. Nonetheless, Evan Phillips has made a very strong case for being the de facto closer (0.00 ERA in six innings pitched); if not in name, by performance.
Final answer: E by a technicality
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Who will be the Dodgers starting second baseman on Opening Day 2023?
- A. Michael Busch
- B. Gavin Lux
- C. Miguel Rojas
- D. Chris Taylor
- E. Miguel Vargas
My choice was A. The Dodgers handed the job to Miguel Vargas, and he has not disappointed.
Final answer: E
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Which player will be the Dodgers regular centerfielder in 2023?
- A. Jason Heyward (NRI – would have to be added to roster)
- B. James Outman
- C. Chris Taylor
- D. Trayce Thompson
- E. They will platoon Taylor or Thompson with Heyward or Outman
- F. They will trade for a centerfielder
My choice was E. With one week left in spring training the final answer is TBD. Dave Roberts has essentially said that Jason Heyward has made the team, but whether that will be in a CF platoon role, or as a fourth/fifth outfielder remains an open question. Heyward did not earn the roster spot by his spring training performance, but that can also be said of David Peralta, Chris Taylor, and Trayce Thompson. James Outman has outperformed all of these outfielders and he may be the odd man out and start the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Final answer: Incomplete
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Who will platoon with David Peralta in left field?
- A. Chris Taylor
- B. Trayce Thompson
- C. Miguel Vargas
- D. Luke Williams (NRI – would have to be added to roster)
My choice was C. But Vargas has demonstrated that he can handle second base defense and will be the regular at that position. There is not a gentle way to put this, neither Taylor nor Thompson have earned a platoon role. Taylor is striking out 40% of his Cactus League plate appearances, with an abysmal .466 OPS! Thompson’s strike out rate is 33% and his OPS is an embarrassing .439.
Outfield prospect Jonny DeLuca (1.050 OPS) has clearly outplayed both veteran outfielders this spring. Nonetheless, Taylor and Thompson will start the season on the active roster.
Final answer: A by default — not earned
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For a team with 2023 World Series aspirations, the Dodgers are still searching for answers to their outfield and shortstop positions. A very uncomfortable feeling as the 2023 regular season is just around the corner.
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Posted in 
KT3 has earned a DFA. However, he will be spared because of the ill advised contract AF signed him to. He has been a huge disappointment this spring. Same with Trayce.
Although unlikely, Taylor could be DFA, clear waivers (I don’t see any team trading for him, or making a waiver claim), and then assigned outright to OKC. Taylor would become a very expensive minor leaguer, but he might rebuild his swing and one day return to the Dodgers. I have never been a fan of Thompson (saw him first hand here in Charlotte when he was with the White Sox organization, and thought his Dodgers performance in 2022 was an anomaly. JD Martinez did not look bad in the OF this spring, wonder if Dodgers would platoon him in LF with David Peralta? Will Smith could DH in those games against LH pitching. Let’s hope for Andy Pages and/or Jonny DeLuca to get hot in the minors and come up.
CT3 one of my favorites will be fine. He is not an issue. Being very truthful rather have him than Heyward any day any yr.
The idea of sharing LF with JD playing some Of also makes sense.
Trade Trayce Thompson and keep Mr Outman.
Gonsolin will start on the IL.
Stone or Pepiot will be the in 5th starter.
Closer by committee for sure.
Phillips Graterol and Vesia
Could close and Hudson will join the mix soon.