Dodgers News: Andre Ethier Doesn’t Feel Suited For Center Field
Andre Ethier has made his presence felt in just two days at Los Angeles Dodgers camp.
Ethier reported early and immediately reiterated his comments from earlier this offseason in regards to playing time. The former All-Star expects to start in 2015, even if it’s not with the Dodgers. In the outfield, the trade of Matt Kemp was partially offset by the addition of Chris Heisey and the emergence of rookie Joc Pederson, leaving the Dodgers with the same dilemma as 2014.
Although he wants to start, there’s one spot that Ethier doesn’t believe he should be in via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register:
#Dodgers Andre Ethier on competing for CF job: "I just don’t think that’s where I’m best suited to play every day." (CONT)
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 24, 2015
Ethier cont. "If you’re 33 you get moved out of center field. You don’t get moved to center field at 33." #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 24, 2015
Ethier on CF cont.: "For me to say all of a sudden, I’m going to be an option in center field that’s a far reach and a far stretch" #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 24, 2015
Ethier began his career as mostly a left fielder before transitioning to right field after a couple of years. In 2013, the Dodgers needed someone to play center field and Ethier was plugged in. He did admirably in the new role, but last season Ethier began losing playing time once Kemp was healthy and Yasiel Puig took over center field.
Now, the Dodgers are expected to start Pederson in center field, with Puig in right and Carl Crawford in left. However, that could change this spring depending on who does well and what manager Don Mattingly sees.
Ethier did say that he will have to work for his job this season:
So where does Ethier think he fits in with #Dodgers: "Wherever I can. … I’ve got to go out there and earn it."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 24, 2015
Once spring games start next week, the picture will become clearer as to who will play where.
Dodgers FanFest – Brandon McCarthy
Give Andre a break and ship him out to philly for Cole, problem solved
We would all love that… Keep dreaming though.