For all the talk that the Dodgers are the new model franchise (huge cable deal, own network, billions to spend, pleasant weather, etc.), manager Don Mattingly told the press he would make out his lineup card early, and he has done so.
1. Yasiel Puig RF
2. Justin Turner2B
3. Hanley Ramirez SS
4. Adrian Gonzalez1B
5. Scott Van Slyke LF
6. Juan Uribe 3B
7. Andre Ethier CF
8. AJ Ellis C
9. Clayton Kershaw P
For all the money spend, at first glance this lineup does not appear "dominating." Mattingly said he made the lineup out because the team would be facing a left handed starter.
Turner, a non-roster invitee, starts at second base because he is a
right-handed hitter, indicating that Mattingly will go with a platoon
there, as Dee Gordon figures to start against right-handed pitching. Gordon surprised his manager by beating out new Cuban signing Alex Guerrero in the battle of converted shortstops.
Van Slyke gets the nod in left field, which ordinarily would be patrolled by Carl Crawford. Crawford, who has battled various injuries in the past will remain in Arizona on paternity leave awaiting the birth of his
child. When Crawford returns, he is expected to bat second behind Puig,
with Gordon dropping to eighth. Van Slyke played in 53 games last year for the Dodgers, compiling 7 HR, 19 RBI and .240 BA.
Ethier is expected to remain in center field Matt Kemp returns from ankle and shoulder operations.
Uribe is a dinosaur starting at third. Uribe, 34, played 132 games for the Dodgers last year, batting .278 with 12 HRs.
Mattingly said he expects Gonzalez to start even though the first
baseman left Thursday night's exhibition game with lower back tightness.
