Ever since Andrew Friedman took over as president of baseball operations, the Los Angeles Dodgers have increasingly implemented defensive shifts into their game plan. Even with a new manager and coaching staff in place, the Dodgers continue to utilize shifts on a regular basis.
This philosophy comes as no surprise as Friedman was general manager of the Tampa Bay Rays when manager Joe Maddon would order defensive shifts more than most teams. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts let it be known during Spring Training he would use the strategy whenever he saw fit.
The strategy has drawn the ire of traditionalists and the matter is exacerbated when a ball goes for a hit because of a shift. Clayton Kershaw, in particular, does not favor the use of shifts when he’s on the mound.
Last season, the Dodgers curtailed their realignment in games Kershaw started, and Roberts indicated the club would adhere to Kershaw’s wishes. Although the left-handed ace isn’t in favor of shifts, veteran infielder Chase Utley supports their use, according to Jon Weisman on MLB.com:
“On paper it makes sense, perfect sense,” said infielder Chase Utley. “There’s plenty of hits you take away, and some balls that should be outs that are given up as hits. But over the course of the year, I think the statistics show that if you play in a certain spot, you’re gonna get the majority out.”
Utility man Kike Hernandez believes a shift can act as a mind game that negatively impacts opposing hitters, and puts players in the right position:
“I think that fans have got to know that as a hitter, you see the shift, and it gets in your head,” Dodger utility man Kike Hernandez said. “You try not to, but then you see a big hole, and you try to change your whole approach, because you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s an easy hit.’ But at the same time, we’re in the big leagues — it’s not that easy. [When] the pitcher can put the ball wherever he wants to put the ball, it won’t be as easy to guide the ball that way. I would say more times than not, the shift works.”
As was the case last season and for most clubs, the Dodgers’ use of a shift primarily consists of taking their third baseman and placing him in shallow right field with a pull-hitter at the plate. To this point, the Dodgers have not been particularly hurt by the strategy.
