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Dodgers: Team’s biggest surprises so far this season

By Anthony Perez

Jun 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chris Taylor (3) doubles in a run in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chris Taylor (3) doubles in a run in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chris Taylor (3) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Taylor

If I had told you last year that Chris Taylor would be the Dodgers’ MVP through June 7th, how crazy would you have looked at me? Well, Taylor has more than proved he deserves a spot on this roster and has been the biggest surprise for the team thus far.

Similar to Alex Wood, Taylor wasn’t in the discussion for anything more than a bench role this season but has batted his way into a starting position. He actually started off the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City.

On the year, Taylor is batting .305/.395/.518 with seven home runs and two grand slams. The way he’s playing right now, he has earned more than the fair share of votes for an All-Star game appearance.

Taylor was picked up from the Mariner last season for former 1st round pick Zach Lee, and that deal has looked like the robbery of 2016. Taylor has attributed his newfound success to a new stance in which he added a leg kick and adjusted the position of his hands. Whatever he did, others should follow suit because it has worked like a charm.

Taylor has recently been playing in center field to keep his bat in the lineup, but he is a natural infielder. Because of his hot bat, he is forcing Dave Roberts to find spots on the field for him and may have taken Joc Pederson’s job.

Taylor may not be the best defensive option in center field, but the Dodgers need to get his bat in the lineup somehow. He has been one of, if not the best, player for the Dodgers this season, and certainly the biggest surprise.

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