Dodgers at Angels, 6:05 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 2B
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, DH
Yasiel Puig, RF
Corey Seager, SS
Joc Pederson, CF
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Austin Barnes, C
(Alex Wood, P)
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 2B
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, DH
Yasiel Puig, RF
Corey Seager, SS
Joc Pederson, CF
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Austin Barnes, C
(Alex Wood, P)
By Jon Weisman
Dave Roberts told reporters this afternoon that he expects the Dodgers to announce their Opening Day 25-man roster after tonight’s exhibition season finale.
That roster for Monday’s opener doesn’t figure to include Yasmani Grandal or Howie Kendrick, both of whom seem destined for the disabled list, with activation on or before the Dodgers’ home debut April 12.
One interesting tibdit: Austin Barnes, who can back up at second and third base as well as catcher, might stay with the team even after Grandal is activated, Roberts said.
throwdeuce
Barnes should stay, Thompson should be the one who goes back when Grandal is activated. That way Barnes can play 2nd and Kike in center the games against lefties.
Mark Hagerstrom
Howie will need a place to play. I assume that will be second base, though giving him reps at 1st might have been a good idea to increase flexibility and stacking up right handed hitters even more on those occasions when AGon might be due a rest. Another option is Turner at first and Howie at third and Barnes at second. Grandal can play first as well. All told, maybe having three catchers can work out in any event, given the flexibility of Barnes and Grandal.
throwdeuce
I was making the comment as far as when Grandal comes off. But after I wrote that it was written that both Howie and Grandal should be back by home opener. Still I think Barnes is better to keep over Thompson and Culberson.
Howie also was playing some third, and when JT needs a break won’t be surprised to see them there, with Utley or Kike at second.
Will
Hi Jon, I know that you (like me) truly appreciate Vin Scully. I was wondering if you were going to write a post on this being Scully’s final opening day. I wrote a piece on that subject you might be interested in. Would love to hear your thoughts as well.
https://hostsoferror.wordpress.com/2016/04/03/one-last-time-for-dodger-baseball/
Mark Hagerstrom
Enjoyed this. You have some good insights.