While it seemed like so long ago that the 2015 season came to an end, the spring is finally here, which means only one thing… Opening Day is just over one month away.
With that in mind, let’s review where the Los Angeles Dodgers stand with their roster. Including the addition of Yaisel Sierra, who reported to Camelback Ranch on Tuesday, Los Angeles currently has 64 players in camp.
Included in that total are 20 non-roster invitees, plus Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas (both of whom are on the 60-day disabled list).
So, which 25 players will the Dodgers settle on for their Opening Day roster? Below is an early prediction of the 25-man roster:
Catchers: A.J. Ellis, Yasmani Grandal
Easily the simplest of the position groups, Ellis and Grandal are both safe bets — if not locks — for spots on the active roster come April 4 in San Diego.
While Austin Barnes remains an intriguing prospect, Grandal is arguably one of the better catchers in all of baseball when healthy. Ellis, meanwhile, remains Clayton Kershaw’s best friend (and an above-average backup).
Infielders: Adrian Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Chase Utley
The only minor question in this group is whether Turner will be healthy enough to begin the season (Turner is expected to miss the first week of Cactus League games), but all signs indicate he should be ready by Opening Day.
Not included here are Kiké Hernandez and Scott Van Slyke, both of whom will surely see some significant time throughout the infield (as a middle infielder and first baseman respectively).
Outfielders: Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier, Kiké Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Scott Van Slyke
The outfield didn’t get any less crowded during the offseason, so expect to see a familiar group out there in 2016.
Hernandez and Van Slyke secure spots thanks to their flexibility, while the other four make the roster based on talent and/or contractual situation. The notable omission here is Alex Guerrero, who remains the odd-man thanks to his poor fielding.
CONTINUE READING: Starting Pitchers, Relievers, And Final Analysis
