The Los Angeles Dodgers are enjoying a productive spring training.
With the signings of Cy Young Award winners, Gold Glove fielders, international phenoms, and bringing back key pieces from last season, L.A. entered the spring with all the confidence in the world that they would continue right where they left off last October.
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There has been a bit of a hiccup in the Dodgers plans as one of their newest signings this season, Korean Baseball Organization standout Hyeseong Kim, has been struggling on offense.
With four Gold Glove awards to his name, his defense is undeniable. Additionally, the glaring hole at second base that the Dodgers need to fit made for the perfect union with Kim’s signing.
Manager Dave Roberts noted that the velocity difference between the KBO and MLB is already proving to be a challenge for the 26-year-old infielder.
With roster cuts already starting, Roberts has many decisions to make. Especially with the kind of talent that exists in the clubhouse, the skipper has been trying to plug in different players at new positions to try and best utilize their skills.
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“I think that we have a couple guys in James (Outman) and Andy (Pages) playing center field. We got Hyeseong (Kim) out there a little bit in center field. Tommy (Edman) obviously can play some center field, and so just kind of keeping him active on the dirt at second base,” Roberts said.
“We know we can play short, and to kind of see where Hyeseong goes and develops as the spring goes on. But yeah, he’s still in the mix, but I do believe that getting him out there, talking about Hyeseong Kim, in center field, but also playing some second base, there’s not a lot of downside to that.”
Edman is a utility man who also earned the NLCS MVP last season. He is more than capable of playing second base, but it appears there is an influx of talent that can also take reps in the outfield.
This can very well mean that Kim will start in the minor leagues to begin 2025.
Opening Day is right around the corner, and more roster cuts are imminent, but L.A.’s manager will do everything in his power to get the best product possible on the field in Japan.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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