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
International Signings
In addition to Maeda, the Dodgers added noteworthy international talent over the course of the offseason. From Cuba, high-profile prospects Yusniel Diaz and Yaisel Sierra will help solidify an already strong farm system that’s received praise from multiple national publications, including Baseball America and ESPN.
Los Angeles been connected to more big names, including Lazarito Armenteros, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Yulieski Gurriel, though it could take months for either of these players to sign with a Major League team.
Positional Depth
Both the infield and outfield were provided with reinforcements this offseason, as the Dodgers brought back a few familiar faces while adding new players to the group as well.
Early on, the Dodgers re-signed veteran Chase Utley to a one-year contract as he figured to share a platoon role with Kiké Hernandez at second base.
That was until the Dodgers re-signed Howie Kendrick to a team-friendly two-year deal when other organizations were hesitant on giving up a draft pick to sign him.
Los Angeles also acquired two top prospects in infielder Micah Johnson and outfielder Trayce Thompson from the White Sox in the same trade that netted them Montas. Thompson is the son of former Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Mychal Thompson.
Both Johnson and Trayce Thompson will compete for a roster spot during Spring Training, but could very well open the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City, barring any future trades that may occur in the coming weeks.
Front Office Hires
The Dodgers didn’t only improve the team playing on the field — they also added to their star-studded front office.
Joining the likes of president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Farhan Zaidi and senior vice president of baseball Josh Byrnes is the reigning Sporting News Executive of the Year, Alex Anthopoulos, months after he guided the Toronto Blue Jays to their first playoff appearance in over 20 years.
Anthopoulos was hired by the Dodgers as vice president of baseball operations. Also added to the group was Hall of Famer and former Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux and former All-Star Raul Ibanez, both of whom will with baseball operations.