A.J. Ellis Believes Dodgers Will Have ‘Big Target On Our Back’
After repeating as National League West champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers can be expected to be the team to beat in the division, even though it was the San Francisco Giants that won the World Series.
While the Dodgers had a busy offseason recreating their team style, the Giants lost Pablo Sandoval and Mike Morse to free agency. Even with their new roster, the Dodgers are still considered favorites in the NL along with the Washington Nationals.
Because of this, catcher A.J. Ellis believes the team will see every team’s best this year in an interview with MLB Network Radio:
Ellis: "We're going to be in a good spot. And as expected I'm sure we're going have to have a big target on our back once the season starts"
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 28, 2015
Ellis could see himself in a different role this year, as the Dodgers traded for catcher Yasmani Grandal and he is expected to take over a majority of the duties behind the plate. The 33-year-old Ellis dealt with injuries in 2014 and hit just .191 in his time on the field. He did recover to be the team’s best hitter in the NLDS loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Meanwhile the Dodgers will have a new primary catcher, shortstop, second baseman and center fielder when April arrives. One of the biggest moves this winter came when they acquired Grandal and two pitchers for outfielder Matt Kemp. Many expected Kemp to return and repeat his second half surge throughout the entire season; however, the new front office had different plans.
Despite his departure to a division rival, Ellis had nothing but praise for his former teammate:
Ellis on Kemp: "He's going to be missed tremendously in our clubhouse & by our fans. When healthy, he's one of the top 5-10 hitters in MLB"
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 28, 2015
While shocking, the move freed up a spot for prospect Joc Pederson in center field, allowing Yasiel Puig to move back to right field. Only time will tell if the Dodgers made the right move.
Ellis has been around for the Dodgers success and has seen the team go from mediocrity to World Series contender, and hopefully that will lead to World Series champion.
I agree to a point. And that is because they won the division 2 years running. Not because they are that much better.