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
Kendrick, a steadfast second baseman, may also be asked to play some third base, which would provide the Dodgers even more flexibility around the infield.
Although Dee Gordon’s success with the Miami Marlins has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans, Kendrick has proven over his 10-year Major-League career that he is reliable and productive when healthy.
It was not too long ago when Justin Sellers was the Dodgers’ starting shortstop on Opening Day, and then there was Hanley Ramirez’s often cringe-worthy rendition of shortstop thereafter.
Jimmy Rollins taking over at shortstop last season provided a boost in confidence with the middle infield configuration. That confidence should grow exponentially in 2016 with Seager set for his first full season as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop.
While he may eventually slide over to third base, the 21 year old looked quite capable up the middle despite his large frame. A miscue (failure to cover third) during the NLDS may have drawn attention to Seager’s inexperience, but continued work alongside the veteran group of Dodgers infielders will certainly aid his development.
Since winning a spot on the roster out of Spring Training in 2014, Turner has breathed new life into his career. He secured the starting role at third base last May after the Dodgers traded away defensive wizard Juan Uribe to the Atlanta Braves.
Of course, Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies is the best third baseman in the National League, if not all of baseball, but should Turner manage to play in a career-high number of games this season, the Dodgers will be on their way to a fourth consecutive NL West division title.
The depth and flexibility, solid defense and projected offense from Dodgers infielders stacks up against the best infields within their division, namely the rival San Francisco Giants and improved Rockies.
While the Giants once again will have a talented infield that includes Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Matt Duffy and Brandon Crawford, they will need to remain healthy in order to overcome the Dodgers’ depth.
Los Angeles also has several promising infield prospects in their pipeline such as, second baseman Micah Johnson, who was acquired this offseason from the Chicago White Sox and 20-year-old first baseman Cody Bellinger, who slugged 30 home runs for High-A Rancho Cucamonga last season.
While the 2016 Dodgers infield may not be as iconic as Davey Lopez, Ron Cey, Bill Russell and Steve Garvey were, the foursome and depth behind them will offer more defensive flexibility and most certainly remind us of the importance of a compatible infield.