Dodgers: Kikè Should Be the Starter In Left Field

After three games of the World Series, there are a few things that have transpired. One is that this World Series matchup is going to produce some memorable games. Another is the Dodgers’ offense needs to get better. And another is that the role players could be the difference in this series.

In Game 2 of the World Series, there were home runs by the well-known star players such as Corey Seager, Jose Altuve, Yasiel Puig and Carlos Correa. There were also some splash plays by key role players like Marwin Gonzalez who homered off Jansen in the ninth inning, and Kikè Hernandez who hit a two-out game-tying single in the tenth inning for the Dodgers that pushed the game to the eleventh inning.

This was not the first big hit of the postseason for Kikè who also hit three home runs in Game 5 of the NLCS and knocked in seven RBI.  During the regular season, Kikè was the left-handed masher who hit .270 with ten home runs against southpaw pitching.

The reason he didn’t start every day was that he hit only .159 against right-handed pitching with one home run. Throughout his career, the knock on Kikè has been that he can not hit righties and that is why he has been a platoon player.

This postseason, however, Kikè appears to be emerging as a serious threat no matter who is pitching to him. This October Kikè has hit .400 with a .500 on-base percentage. Better than just the .400 average is the fact that he’s hit .500 off of right-handers which is an improvement even if its only been six at-bats.

His RBI single to tie the game in Wednesday’s epic clash extended the game and gave the Dodgers another chance to win although they ultimately ended up losing. Had the Dodgers came through on their next at-bat and knocked Kikè in, the Dodgers would have held a 2-0 series lead before yesterday’s loss. Who knows how the game would have gone if LA had that 2-0 cushion?

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Whether Kikè is playing inspired baseball to raise awareness for the assistance Puerto Rico still needs, or if he is just getting hot at the right time, it’s clear that Kikè needs to be the everyday starter in left field.

Beyond the batter’s box, Kikè brings some other skill sets that could help make a difference in these close World Series games. Kikè is the best defensive option the Dodgers have for left field right now. Joc Pederson appears to have gained some weight and has lost a step defensively.

Andre Ethier can still swing the bat, but on defense, he is a shell of his former self after many leg and back ailments over the past few seasons. Plus Ethier is 35 now, so that is when players will see their skills diminish. With the designated hitter available for the next two games of the World Series the Dodgers could use Ethier as their DH.

Pederson and Ethier both have one home run this postseason, but none of have produced much outside of their solo shots.

While Joc Pederson should start in left field against Justin Verlander, the other games should be started by Kikè Hernandez. Minute Maid Park has very interesting dimensions and weird angles around the outfield.

Kikè’s speed and rocket arm could boost the outfield defense for the Dodgers. The defense, speed and hot bat that Kikè brings to the lineup could help push this offense over the top. Coupled with the fact that Kikè is playing inspired baseball, he could give the Dodgers the lift they need to win this best of seven series.

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Sometimes the World Series produces heroes that you would not expect and this postseason is shaping up to be a breakout moment in the career of Kikè Hernandez.