So, apparently my previous declaration of the Dodgers never losing again after the first Cactus League game of the season was a little off base, as the team hasn’t won again since. I know, it’s only been three games, but still, guys, way to make me look bad.
Who’s that guy?—There’s a player turning heads at Spring Training, and it isn’t Cody Bellinger or Clayton Kershaw. It’s Max Muncy, who is making the most of his time in camp. The 27-year-old utility man is impressing with his bat, going 4-for-6 with two doubles and a triple, including the only two hits the Dodgers could muster on Sinday. He spent a few seasons with Oakland, and last season in Oklahoma City slashing .309/.414/.491 with 12 homers and 20 doubles in 109 games. Dennis talked about him a bit back in December. One to keep an eye on for sure.
Kershaw is Kershaw—The best Pitcher on the Planet made his Cactus League debut Sunday, when he went 1-2-3 against the Mariners in one inning of work. He threw a total of 11 pitches, nine for strikes that induced two ground balls and a fly out to Matt Kemp in left field. But more importantly, he acknowledged reports that he and the front office have already been in discussions about whether he will opt out of his contract at the end of the 2018 season. Kershaw told reporters after his that he and Dodgers management are “on the same page” as far as what the end result would be. That’s a little sigh of relief for Dodger fans, who would be more than happy to see Clayton locked up in Dodger Blue for the rest of his playing days.
About those outfielders… The guys manning the outfield need to work on their defense. There were lots of missed plays, bobbled balls, and all out losing the ball in the sun the last couple days. It’s early, and they are a little rusty. Still, it doesn’t look good out there defensively. On the bright side, Kemp didn’t make an out at the plate until Sunday. Andrew Toles may not be hitting yet, but he looked very speedy on the basepaths trying to beat out a ground ball, which is good news for his knee.
Seager, Seager —Corey Seager and his brother Kyle faced off against each other for the first time ever on Sunday. Corey was the DH, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout. He missed Saturday’s game because of an illness resulting after something he ate. He told Alanna Rizzo that his swing felt “early….some stuff that feels good, some stuff that doesn’t feel good. But hopefully I’ll work through it.” He also has been dealing with some elbow issues since last fall. He also told Alanna that he was up to throwing 140-145 feet, and was hoping to throw on the bases early this week.
Hey, new guy—Friday, the Dodgers claimed RHP J.T. Chargois off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. He had a 4.70 ERA in 23 innings pitched in 2016. In the corresponding move, Julio Urias was placed on the 60-day DL.
(FOLLOW ANDY ON TWITTER: @DODGERSANDYINPA)
So Andy, are waffling on that 162-0 season already? As long as your prediction, about winning the World Series is right, I’ll give you a pass on your other predictions.