Saturday, March 16, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
Since spring training began, I wanted to write about James Outman. To me, Outman is a key to the Los Angeles Dodger success. Bigger Dodger stars overshadow Outman, entering his second in the major leagues.
Outman had an inconsistent rookie season both offensively and defensively. When he misplayed a flyball during Game 1 in the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks that opened the floodgates with an injured Clayton Kershaw, I thought it could have affected Outman’s psyche.
This spring training, Outman has played well. There is no sign that his fielding miscue affects his mind. He has hit over .300 with some power. He has played a good center field.
Outman has stopped swinging at the high ball. If he can continue that, he will have a 2024 season at the bottom of the lineup. This is something that the Dodgers need.
For the last week, Max Muncy has been sick, losing ten pounds. This will make him weak. He will begin the season in an offensive slump.
After Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, the Dodger lineup looks weak. Teoscar Hernández provides right-handed power, but he has a high strikeout percentage. Jason Heyward is slated to play right field against right-handed pitchers. Although Heyward had a terrific 2023 offensive season, he might regress this upcoming season.
Gavin Lux is slated to bat in the ninth position in the lineup. This spring, he has hit over .300 but has displayed no power. His throwing problems from both shortstop and second base have been well-publicized. At 26, Lux is a sensitive soul, so he might let his defensive problems affect his offensive game. If I were the Dodgers, I wouldn’t depend on Lux producing much offense.
The Dodgers need Outman to be an above average center fielder to succeed in the 2024 regular season.
