The Los Angeles Dodgers solidified their top-notch infield for 2016 by re-signing veteran Howie Kendrick to a two-year, $20 million contract.
With butter-and-egg man Adrian Gonzalez at first base, Justin Turner at third base and baseball’s No. 1 prospect Corey Seager at shortstop, the Dodgers boast potentially the best, and most versatile infield they have had in many years.
Chase Utley and Kiké Hernandez add even more depth to the infield, as they both provide flexibility to play multiple positions. In Hernandez’s case, the super-utility player can patrol the outfield as well.
It is undeniable that Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman and resident Dodgers-dominator Paul Goldschmidt is the premier first baseman of the National League and netted the D-Backs an extra seven wins last season.
Although not on the same level as Goldschmidt, Gonzalez has consistently been a productive member of the Dodgers since they acquired him from the Boston Red Sox. The 33 year old has averaged 102 RBIs over the past three seasons, playing in all but 14 games during that span.
Gonzalez’s 0.2 dWAR and mere six errors netted him a Gold Glove Award and the admiration of Dodgers fans in 2014 for his defensive work. Reliable and productive, Gonzalez can be looked to put up another three-win season for the Dodgers in 2016, while again providing solid defense.
CONTINUE READING: Howie Kendrick’s Consistency Offsets Loss Of Dee Gordon
