Dodgers: Breaking Down the Spring Training Position Battles

LEFT FIELD

In a relatively quiet offseason, Matt Kemp’s status has been the topic of conversation.  Will he be traded before opening day?  Every day that Kemp suits up with the Dodgers in spring training, it appears he is a step closer to starting in left field come opening day.  If the Dodgers cannot move his large contract, they will give his bat every opportunity to make an impact in the batting order.

Does this mean less playing time for Joc Pederson?  Not necessarily.  Chris Taylor can also fill in around the infield and may be the true backup SS to Corey Seager.  Of course, that leads to super utilityman Kike Hernandez, who can also backup at shortstop and start in left field against tough lefties.  I know this article is all over the place, but so are the Dodgers in the field!  Bear with me.  That is the beauty of this team.

Soooo, that is a long-winded way of saying don’t worry about playing time for Joc.  I see him backing up Kemp, Taylor, and Yasiel Puig.  However, should Kemp or Joc slump, Alex Verdugo, and Andrew Toles will be waiting in the wings at AAA Oklahoma City.  That is unless…