Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
Since the offseason began, the Los Angeles Dodgers have done a lot, but they have some things to do before spring training starts within a month. Most people think the Dodgers are favorites to win the 2024 World Series, but if they take a closer look at the roster, they will see a lack of depth and lack of power on the bench.
For most of the offseason, most Dodger fans have been focusing on improving the starting rotation. During the NLDS sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers’ starting rotation was an embarrassment for the organization. Clayton Kershaw lasted only a third of an inning, and after the Dodgers were eliminated from the NLDS, Kershaw underwent the first major arm surgery of his Hall of Fame career. As of now, the Dodgers or the world champion Texas Rangers haven’t signed the future Hall of Famer yet.
After a remarkable rookie season though the Dodgers had to rush him to the major leagues, Bobby Miller showed he didn’t have the maturity to handle the pressure of the playoffs. He figures to have a major role in the 2024 Dodger starting rotation. However, he pitched the most innings in his baseball career, so an injury can be highly possible. Miller probably will suffer degression during the 2024 season.
Emmet Sheehan was rushed to the major leagues out of necessity since the Dodgers’ 2023 starting rotation suffered many injuries, ineffectiveness, and legal issues. Sheehan had his ups and downs in 2023 but pitched well in the NLDS. He figures to split time between Oklahoma City and the Dodgers.
Lance Lynn, who gave up 4 home runs in an inning during the third game of the NLDS, signed with the Saint Louis Cardinals. Lynn just gave up another home run.
Probably missing the first month of the season, Walker Buehler will return to the rotation after undergoing his second Tommy John Surgery. The Dodgers hope Buehler regains his dominating form by October.
The singing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto excites everyone. During the World Baseball Classic, Yamamoto dominated every opposing team. In Japan, he won their Cy Young Award three times and once he won their triple crown for a pitcher. Yamamoto is only 25. The Dodgers should have a six-man rotation, like Japan, until Yamamoto adjusts to the ways in the United States.
Tyler Glasnow came from the Tampa Bay Rays for Ryan Pepiot. Glasnow has a nasty repertoire. While Glasnow battled elbow/forearm problems until he underwent Tommy John surgery, he has had problems with endurance. Glasnow has a goal of making more than 25 starts, a career high, but endurance is a problem.
Most Dodger fans have overlooked Ryan Yarbrough, the sole projected left-hander, in the rotation. He can do it all on a pitching mound. The soft-tossing lefty gives the opposing teams a different look during a 3- or 4-game series. The rest of the Dodger rotation is power pitchers.
The Dodgers haven’t done much to the bullpen but re-signed Joe Kelly whose number is 99 and not 17 that went to Shohei Ohtani. Though the Dodgers are rumored to be interested in both Ryan Brasier and Josh Hader, they haven’t signed them. The Dodgers should trade for Tanner Scott, a left-handed reliever, with the Baltimore Orioles. If they don’t do any more with the bullpen, the Dodgers will be okay, but they are weak with left-handed relievers. Alex Vesia and Caleb Ferguson are mediocre left-handed relievers.
Every Dodger fan is looking forward to the Dodger new offense. The addition of Shohei Ohtani will help Mookie Betts and Freeman. Max Muncy is poised to have another 35+ home run season. Without a broken rib, Will Smith should be able to contribute to the offense. The recent addition of Teoscar Hernández helps the Dodgers to have a balanced lineup.
Gavin Lux is coming back from a bad knee injury. The Dodgers think Lux will be ready to be ready to play shortstop everyday. If he isn’t, Miguel Rojas, will be his replacement, but he doesn’t have offensive power. The Dodgers need to re-sign Kikè Hernández, who has power while he can play anywhere.
