Barring the unforeseen (and unthinkable), it is probably safe to say that six-time All-Star/six-time Gold Glover Mookie Betts and one-time All-Star/five-time Gold Glover Jason Heyward will be the Dodgers Opening Day – and probably every day – right and center fielders, respectively.
But what about their Opening Day (and presumably every day) left fielder? And what about the (likely) two or three back-up outfielders? Who will they be?
Put yourself in ‘The Big Chair,’ as Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman‘s chair is often referred. Who will be your every day left fielder and back-up outfielders?
Contracts and salaries notwithstanding, here are your choices heading into Spring Training play on Wednesday, March 8, 2023:
Noticeably missing from this list is the guy who, in all probability, will be the Dodgers Opening Day and (to this point) every day shortstop – Chris Taylor – who, in addition to spending parts of nine MLB seasons at shortstop, spent parts of six MLB seasons in the outfield, the majority of which were in left field.
How’s CT3 doing this Spring?
Taylor is 3-for-16 (.188), all singles, with two walks and four strikeouts in his (thus far) six Spring Training games played.
So. Who ya got?
Play Ball!
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I don’t see CT3 being the Opening Day shortstop for any other reason than out of respect for his contributions to the team since 2017. I see him being what he’s been – a pretty reliable Utility man.
I think left field (or center to be honest) should be Outman’s. He’s done everything asked of him including this Spring to earn it. Nothing left to prove in the minor leagues. But I get that he has options remaining so they may demote him. But please don’t de-motivate him. Only they know if he’s likely to take it badly.