March 25th, 2023 at 7:31 am 
by Ron Cervenka Although Friday’s game between the Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale ended in a 6-6 tie, Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy made it abundantly clear that he is ready for the regular season to begin.
All the 32-year-old Midland, TX native did was drive in two of the Dodgers six runs with a powerful two-run home run to straightaway center field in the bottom of the first inning, score two of those six runs, and go 2-for-3 at the plate, with his second hit being a line drive double to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning.
(SportsNet LA)
“It was fun writing the line-up today and obviously getting some good swings out of Muncy today,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of his team’s new everyday third baseman to SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson postgame.
With only one more game at Camelback Ranch before heading back home for the three Freeway Series games against the Angels, Roberts said that most of his regulars are already on their way back to Southern California.
“We got one more day. A lot of guys are going to eject today, get home, get ready for tomorrow,” Roberts told Watson. “We got some other guys playing tomorrow against (Zack) Greinke and the Royals, but as far as the Freeway Series, I think we’re in a good spot.”
Being in a good spot is good.
Play Ball!
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Good to see Muncy swinging the bat so well — ditto Freeman, Smith, Outman, and Betts (WBC at bats). But outfielders Heyward, Taylor, Thompson, Peralta plate appearances have ranged from mediocre to awful. Miguel Vargas’ at bats have looked very ordinary after all of the hype about his offense.
One observation after watching 90% of the innings played by Dodgers this spring — Dave Roberts appeared to be bored throughout the Cactus League games. He even seemed to be ticked-off when first base coach Clyde McCullough called for a replay of a close play at first base — dismissively waving him off with his right hand.
My thinking is that we are elite in RF and first base. Close to elite with W Smith and a healthy 35 homer Muncy.
I think what we get out of CF LF SS And 2b will decide the fate of this team.
I think we will pitch well but need health. I’m thinking 90-95 wins and first or second in a close race.
I think you’re right on. If players falter in CF, LF, SS, 2b I think we see Michael Busch sooner than later this season with the potential of Jonny DeLuca and/or Andy Pages being added. Trade deadline may determine whether Dodgers play in the World Series or watch on TV.
Look for Dodgers to shake up the bullpen before end of first month.
Failed to recognize how important JD Martinez is to the lineup.
My Bad old habits about the NL having a DH. He could be solid. Big RBI guy goes the other way with men on base.