GLENDALE Ariz. — Vibes are what make the heart sing. Los Angeles DodgersThursday was a new level for the clubhouse.
Former MVPs were added Freddie FreemanSources say that he agreed to a six year, $162 million deal Wednesday night. This was the talk of Thursday as the players reported for practice on Thursday morning.
Good teams know that it’s just got better.
Third baseman, “Excited” is an understatement Justin Turner said.
A few seconds later, Manager Dave Roberts stated: “It is a great day for a Dodger.”
Roberts was skeptical that the Dodgers would sign Freeman. But, after the Atlanta BravesTraded for first baseman Matt OlsonHe knew Monday was Monday.
Just moments before December’s lockout, the Dodgers began their courtship with Roberts talking to Freeman over the phone. But, not many baseball people believed that the slugger would leave Atlanta.
All that changed after the lockout, which allowed the Dodgers to sign the five-time All-Star.
“Did that really occur?” Roberts said that he wondered the same thing as he woke up on Thursday. “Once Atlanta made that Olson deal, it kinda came to pass.
“We’re a far better team today than we were yesterday.”
As players pondered how Freeman might add to an already potent lineup, the Dodgers clubhouse was filled with respect for Freeman. Freeman’s presence was something that the most experienced of their own hurlers smiled at.
“He must be among the top 3-4 hitters of the game.” Clayton Kershaw said. “He is a person who will fit in any clubhouse.
“He’s one the guys that you can get out of him because he got out himself.”
Roberts is able to make the lineup every night, something he did all week while the gossip heated up. He acknowledged that it might not be easy to get everyone all the at bats they want, but it is sure to be fun.
Roberts mentioned that the designated hitter will give more runway to other guys, referring to the universal DH included in the most recent collective bargaining agreement. “It will be a little different if guys like Justin (Muncy)”.
Muncy is most likely to feel the impact of Freeman at first base. While he is still recovering from an elbow injury which ended his season prematurely last summer, Freeman’s addition allows him to serve as the DH in the event that a need arises. Even though Muncy won’t be available for Opening Day, he can still have the support of his teammates like Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Turner, Gavin Lux, Trea Turner— And now, Freeman – Give the Dodgers plenty to offense.
Kershaw said, “We have an All-Star position player lineup,” But that doesn’t necessarily mean we will win. It is important that we work together and act as a team. We cannot assume that because we have nine of best players in the game, we are going to win.
Roberts also echoed this message. It’s not names on a piece of paper that win championships, it is hard work. However, Freeman also brings that to the table, they claim.
Turner stated, “A professional guy and a professional hitter.” He is the one who controls the strike zone. The whole field is used. He can drive from foul pole to foulpole. He can drive in runs. He could make a very bizarre year if you add that to our lineup.
The organization.
The Dodgers are making moves that have been predictable enough for players to stop being shocked. They haven’t been stopped by cost in dollars, or player capital.
“It’s a testimony to Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers president of baseball operations. Kershaw said that the bigger testament to our ownership was Kershaw.
“We always seem the person,” catcher Austin Barnes said.
In this instance, the “person” has just led the Braves to a World Series championship and was named league MVP. He has also been awarded three consecutive Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove.
Freeman is the whole package. However, his new manager stated that he sounded more like an rookie when they spoke Wednesday, just moments after the deal had been closed.
Roberts said, “I don’t think I’ve ever come across a guy that was as excited about being a Dodger to trade or call up. “He didn’t sound like a veteran over the phone, which was the best compliment I could give a player.”
After undergoing his physical in Los Angeles, Freeman will report to camp Friday. The team has yet not officially announced the deal.