2nd Base and Infield Depth Present Problems Heading into Spring
by Wes Williams
The Dodgers report to Spring training in less than a month and they still have a few question marks.
According to the Dodgers website, the starting second baseman is unproven Cuban Alexander Guerrero with former shortstop Dee Gordon as the backup.
Guerrero might be the next Yasiel Puig, but without seeing him in any of the winter leagues due to injuries, it is hard to imagine a second Cuban missile landing in Chavez Ravine.
If Guerrero does not shine in spring training, do the Dodgers want to turn over the starting spot to the speedy but defensively challenged Dee Gordon? Don't get me wrong, Gordon does have the potential to be a solid major league lead-off hitter. However, his 234 average last year and many errors in the field are not ideal.
According to Baseball America, Guerrero hit .290 with 21 home runs in only 328 at bats in the top Cuban league in 2011-12. The Dodgers would be thrilled if he could replicate those numbers, but is that possible against better competition?
What happens if Guerrero and Gordon have bad springs? Who do the Dodgers turn to? Justin Sellers is currently their only utility man, a scary thought for a Dodgers team favored by Vegas to win the World Series.
The Dodgers need to find depth in Spring and possibly trade a back end starting pitcher for a solid second baseman if Guerrero and Gordon have poor springs.