The start of 2021 Spring Training and hopefully the regular season is just around the corner, and the DodgerBlue.com staff is ramping up with previews and looking ahead as the Los Angeles Dodgers aim to defend their World Series title.
On the latest episode of “DodgerHeads”, host Jeff Spiegel and Daniel Starkand discussed all the latest news and rumors surrounding the team.
Now that DJ LeMahieu is off the board, it seems that the Dodgers re-signing Justin Turner is likely, but what happens if they don’t? Spiegel and Starkand discussed the different internal options to play third base in 2021 such as Edwin Rios, Chris Taylor and Max Muncy, as well as external options, with Marcus Semien being the latest infielder the team has been linked to.
The conversation then shifted to Dodgers’ arbitration-eligible players. The organization was able to agree on contracts for the 2021 season for all except Walker Buehler and Austin Barnes, so they will be going to a hearing unless a deal is agreed upon.
What does this mean for Buehler and his relationship with the Dodgers? Is it standard procedure or cause for concern? Also, if a long-term discussion is currently being discussed, what years and dollar amount would make sense for both sides?
Considering Buehler has an extensive injury history, the Dodgers may be hesitant to give him a long-term lucrative extension before he proves he can have a healthy, Cy Young type season.
New DH rule?
After going through all news surrounding the Dodgers, Spiegel and Starkand then discussed a potential new designated hitter rule created by The Athletic’s Jayson Stark. If this new rule would ever go into play, which is unlikely, then the DH would only be in play while a team’s starting pitcher is in the game.
This, as well as some of the other new rules, led to a bit of a disagreement on if MLB should implement them permanently or not.
Padres trade for Musgrove
The division-rival San Diego Padres made headlines again this week when they acquired starting pitcher Joe Musgrove from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-team deal to bolster their rotation.
Before answering fan mailbag questions as well as other miscellaneous topics, Spiegel and Starkand discussed how much the Musgrove addition improves the Padres and if it puts them in the same conversation as the Dodgers or not.
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