Editorials

Pitchers And Catchers Report And The 2014 Dodgers Season Begins

DodgersIt’s been 113 days since the Los Angeles Dodgers last played a game. Clayton Kershaw was chased after just four innings and the St. Louis Cardinals eliminated the Dodgers from the playoffs and were off to the World Series. It was a bitter taste that’s lingered throughout the off-season, but with pitchers and catchers finally reporting to Camelback Ranch this morning, a new season has begun.

After the season ended, the Dodgers had several of their own free agents, but it was likely that most wouldn’t return. Ricky Nolasco had a horrible September and after a loss in Game 4 of the NLCS, his time in Dodger Blue was over. The Dodgers had team options for infielder Mark Ellis and starter Chris Capuano and both were declined while Ronald Belisario had his contract non-tendered. Edinson Volquez and Carlos Marmol both came over late in 2013, but weren’t brought back for 2014.



Utility infielders Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker signed quickly with other teams and Jerry Hairston Jr. hung up the spikes to join the Dodgers broadcast team. Michael Young was asked to come back and fill a utility role, but opted to spend time with his family over a chance to win an elusive World Series ring. However, the Dodgers did retain some of their own free agents as Brian Wilson was brought back for another season along with third baseman Juan Uribe and reliever J.P. Howell.

Shortly after the season ended, the Dodgers agreed to terms with Cuban infielder Alex Guerrero on a four-year, $28 million contract. The 27-year-old grew up as a shortstop, but will be a second baseman at the big league level. To help fortify the rotation, free agent starter Dan Haren signed a one-year, $10 million contract with incentives that could result in a player option for 2015.

Next Page: Did the Dodgers do enough for the infield?

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Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

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