PHOENIX — A Different Perspective on Spring Training
In a recent hypothetical, Dave Roberts stepped away from his role as the Dodgers’ manager and imagined himself as a reporter eager to spice things up.
What kind of stories would he chase?
“It’s not going to be easy to stir the pot in this camp,” Roberts remarked.
I mean, could he possibly throw out a rumor about Roki Sasaki heading to the minors to create some buzz?
Roberts shot that idea down, clearly frustrated.
“That’s not going to happen,” he asserted.
Welcome to what could be called Major League Baseball’s most uneventful spring training.
There aren’t any significant controversies or worries on the horizon. The lineup seems pretty much set, except for one starting position that’s still up for grabs until Tommy Edman recovers from ankle surgery.
The Dodgers appear equipped to handle the loss of key players during the season. This depth explains why Roberts feels relaxed discussing Blake Snell’s slow progress as he’s only just starting to play catch.
This spring, the team is taking a cautious approach with Snell, knowing they have three Cy Young winners in their rotation: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow. Overall, the pitching depth, which includes Sasaki, Emmett Sheehan, and others, should carry them through to the postseason. Basically, the real concern is just ensuring Snell is healthy come October.
As for Mookie Betts? He’s also easing back in after a tough World Series, meaning he won’t appear in a Cactus League game until possibly Sunday or early next week. But really, the Dodgers can afford the wait.
There are some lingering questions about how well Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernandez will handle aging. However, with the addition of 29-year-old All-Star Kyle Tucker, even if one of them regresses, it feels less urgent, more like a luxury.
Another key addition is closer Edwin Diaz, who provides much-needed stability in a bullpen that struggled last season. His presence could offer Roberts the flexibility to use other relievers more strategically, potentially enhancing the team’s overall performance.
Speaking of Roberts, he’s no longer the divisive figure he once was; he’s now a three-time World Series champion in his first season of a new four-year contract. It seems he’s enjoying a bit of a comfortable position.
The Dodgers overall present a solid, reliable team.
The only intriguing story yet to unfold involves Sasaki, the next big pitching prospect from Japan. His talent is undeniable, but whether he positively or negatively impacts the team isn’t the focus—what’s interesting is just how extraordinary he is.
Considering the Dodgers’ hefty $400 million payroll, they have a significant cushion for mistakes. Honestly, if they didn’t win the National League West, it would be surprising.
“I appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, but there’s a definite purpose behind it,” Roberts noted. “Our staff is working diligently, thoughtfully, and it’s also a lot of fun. I think that creates sustainability.”
This spring, the Dodgers have needed to shorten their training due to trips to Japan and South Korea. A number of players will soon join their national teams for the World Baseball Classic, including Yamamoto and Diaz. Ohtani has already departed, which has reduced the number of reporters at camp, as many Japanese journalists have followed him back to Japan.
“The players are focused on preparation,” Roberts stated. “They’re smart; distractions wouldn’t do us any good.”
When it comes to motivating the team, Roberts simply said, “Good luck.”
