With pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch by the end of the week, it’s time to reflect on what was a busy offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
During the Winter Meetings, the Dodgers saw a trade for Aroldis Chapman and the signing of Hisashi Iwakuma fall apart for very opposite, but logical reasons. As a result, the hot stove action slowed a bit as the front office needed to adjust their plans accordingly.
Despite all of this, a fury of roster transactions still took place over the months as the Dodgers focused on not only upgrading for the short-term, but also the long-term picture. Let’s take a look at some notable moves that were made.
Managerial/Coaching Changes
The departure of Don Mattingly was inevitable after another postseason letdown for the third consecutive year. Replacing him is former San Diego Padres bench coach and Los Angeles outfielder Dave Roberts, who became the first minority manager in Dodgers history.
Roberts was viewed as an underdog throughout the entire process, but he sealed the job after a couple of strong interviews.
Among those on his staff is current Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, previous Arizona Diamondbacks hitting coach Turner Ward, who will remain at the same position in Los Angeles, and former Oakland Athletics manager and New York Mets bench coach Bob Geren.
Pitching Depth
The offseason started on a negative note when co-ace Zack Greinke departed for the new-look Diamondbacks.
It’s impossible to replace an elite talent like that so suddenly, but the Dodgers rebounded nicely by re-signing lefty Brett Anderson and adding the likes of Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda.
The trio will join a talented group that features the best pitcher in baseball, Clayton Kershaw, and complimentary arms such as Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Alex Wood.
While the rotation doesn’t have the star power it boasted last season, the overall depth has vastly improved as the Dodgers now have many options to choose from when constructing their Opening Day roster.
Los Angeles didn’t make any major changes to the bullpen, but low-risk, high-reward players were added to the mix.
The revitalized Joe Blanton was brought back to the organization after successful stints with the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates last season and top pitching prospect Frankie Montas, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a three-team trade with the Cincinnati Reds, could be an option when he recovers from rib surgery that will sideline him for two to four months.
CONTINUE READING: International Signings, Front Office Additions, And More
