Just days before Dodgers Spring Training opens up, a possible change at the top of the Dodgers lineup may just be the change LA needs.
In 2013 we saw the Los Angeles Dodgers make a pivotal turn in the direction of their franchise. What started as baseball’s version of the Dallas Cowboys – best team on paper – turned into a true definition of what’s to come in the future – success! Continuing the underlying themes of change, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he will consider shaking up the top of the lineup.
Yasiel Puig will see significant at-bats as the Dodgers’ leadoff man accoring to his skipper Mattingly.Ok g The free-swinger brings speed, power, and a youthful dynamic to the top of the lineup, and if he can improve his on-base percentage, he may be just what the Dodgers need for game tempo.
Bounce back years from Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez helped solidify the heart of the order, flashes of old from Carl Crawford gives the Dodgers hope that he can again be an elite base runner and plate threat near the top of the lineup, and the emergence of Hyun-Jin Ryu and Puig brings potential Cy Young and MVP conversation in the future.
In the end though, the Dodgers came up just short of a NL Pennant, and showed where areas of improvement need to be addressed. One area that could help improve the early innings is the leadoff role. Mattingly has spoken about the possibility of Puig taking on this role and moving Crawford into the 2-hole. The Dodgers are not a team that needs major cosmetic surgery, but a couple tweaks and adjustments might mean the difference in those close games.
In 2013, Puig was much more dynamic than the 32-year-old Crawford. Crawford has made a career out of being a leadoff hitter but coming off injuries, he hasn’t quite locked up that role once again. Puig who is only 23, shined as a leadoff hitter last season. In 28 games as the leadoff, Puig had a slash line of .333/.409/.618 (BA/OBP/Slugging), hitting eight of his 19 home runs. Much improved than his numbers from the 2-hole (.299/.358/.493). Crawford as a leadoff hitter had a slash line of .304/.353/.421 in 86 games.
With Puig at the leadoff spot, the Dodgers lineup shapes up with a balanced mix of righty/lefty at the top.
With Crawford battling hamstring injuries during the 2013 season, it may be wise for the Dodgers to make this change and see how it plays out. Regardless the Dodgers 1-4 hitters and possibly 5-7 can be the most feared in all of baseball. The jury is still out on Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, but even an 80% Kemp is far better than 75% of the league.
A lot is yet to be learned from the young emerging star in Puig, 2013 wasn’t a flawless season, but with one season under his belt and now having a significant role on the Dodgers – the sky is the limit. Crawford is expected to be the healthiest he’s been in three years, so if Puig leading off doesn’t help the club early on, then it’s safe to make a swap and put Crawford back in that slot. Crawford is a 4x base-stealing title holder and went 15-for-19 last year, there won’t be any reason to hold your breath.
As Spring Training approaches and the players report to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, why not tweak the lineup? Why not try different things? The Dodgers are in a great position and don’t have to worry to much on the talent. This Spring Training simply needs to be focused on putting the aces in places and fine tuning an already powerful and tough lineup.
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