Editorials

Dodgers’ Postseason Roster Getting Murkier By The Day

Stephen Dunn-Getty Images
Stephen Dunn-Getty Images

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It can be assumed two months ago 95 percent of Los Angeles Dodgers fans had never heard of Justin Ruggiano (and that might be generous), but today, Ruggiano is the face of what is quickly becoming a compelling competition for the 25 spots on the team’s playoff roster.



While many sports experience the competition for roster spots at the beginning of the season, the sport of baseball provides teams with the unique opportunity to audition youngsters and waiver-wire newcomers over the final few weeks of the season.

For most teams, the competition is fairly uneventful — there may be some drama surrounding the decision between a 13th pitcher and a 13th hitter on the roster, but with the Dodgers (and their renewed emphasis on depth across the 40-man roster), things are getting pretty interesting.

When you look at the roster, there are (of course) some who are obvious selections — but by my estimation, those only account for at most 22 of the 25 available spots. For accounting purposes, I’m including (alphabetically by position) Brett Anderson, Luis Avilan, Pedro Baez, Yimi Garcia, Zack Greinke, Chris Hatcher, JP Howell, Kenley Jansen, Jim Johnson, Clayton Kershaw, Juan Nicasio and Alex Wood for pitchers.

AJ Ellis, Yasmani Grandal, Adrian Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins, Justin Turner, Chase Utley, Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and Joc Pederson for positional players.

Now, in 2014, the Dodgers opted for 13 pitchers and 12 hitters on their postseason roster, but given the lack of bullpen depth (unless they decide to go with Mike Bolsinger or Mat Latos as a relief pitcher experiment) and the abundance of bats, my guess is they will go with the 12 pitchers listed above and add three more hitters. So which three bats would they add?

CONTINUE READING: Projecting Which Additional Position Players Dodgers Will Carry

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2 Comments

  1. You also have to consider the opponents. I can’t imagine putting Ruggiano on a roster that will be facing some combination of Harvey, Syndergaard, deGrom, and Colon (all righties). Van Slyke is at least good defensively, so he might make sense as a pinch-hitter/defensive replacement, but I can’t see Ruggiano on the roster against the Mets.

    It’s also nearly impossible to guess until we know who is healthy. If Puig and Kiké are healthy, I think they’re on the roster.

  2. Honestly I think Puig should take a seat. I agree with the abundance of right handers in the Mets rotation, the guy with the hot bat and has demonstrated he can hit lefties consistently is Seager. It would be another Dummy Mattingly decision to not keep him on the Roster. Lets face it, he’s hitting better than anyone right now. If I was making the lineup, I would have the following:
    CRawford-CF
    Seager-SS
    JT-3B
    Agon-1B
    Howie 2B
    Utley LF
    Andre-RF
    GRandal-C against Righties, AJ lefties
    Grienke P

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