Dodgers early frontrunners, despite setbacks

Rookie Joc Pederson has quietly been the team’s most productive outfielder this season. By Owen Main

If you think the Dodgers are going to be a team who rides any one guy anywhere very long during the regular season, you’re probably wrong. It’s true, the Dodgers will need to have some hot players and great play if they are to make noise in the post season. But getting there will take a lot of guys. In fact, it already has.

Just look at this list of Sunday transactions for the Dodgers and it becomes clear that the big league team’s success thus far has had something to do with guys not named Clayton or Yasiel. Puig and Joel Perralta were put on the disabled list, and the Dodgers have players in their system lined-up to fill their roster spots.

Even with two outfielders hurt, hot-hitting Alex Guerrero is having a hard time finding regular playing time. By Owen Main

Two years ago, a blow like this would have had fans, bloggers, and pundits wondering who the team could get in the trade market if guys are injured long-term. This year, everyone is turning inward toward and organization that has spent the near past making move after move to increase depth at all organizational levels.

One area of “problem” depth was the outfield. Former regular Andre Ethier was out of a starting spot on opening day. Dodger fans were clamoring for the team to trade him and get some asset for him.

Along with Ethier, Scott Van Slyke seemed ready to get more playing time, but with Carl Crawford and Yasiel Puig firmly entrenched in the corner outfield positions, things seemed to be at an impasse.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and things look very different. Puig and Crawford are both hurt as of last night. Van Slyke and Ethier both finished the game in the outfield. And Alex Guerrero — swinging a hot bat lately — is still on the bench, still available to manager Don Mattingly to fill-in where needed.

What seemed like an uncomfortable level of depth just a few weeks ago is now a strength the Dodgers are flexing. Still in first place. Mashing, and sticking to their game plan.