The Dodgers Are Ready Is Yasiel?

Two games in and the Los Angeles Dodgers couldn’t have asked for a better start. Traveling to Australia without Zack Greinke, Carl Crawford and Matt Kemp they outpitched the division rival Diamondbacks for two games to start the season 2-0. Even though the games were played in Australia they were technically “home” games for the Diamondbacks, giving the Dodgers two key road victories versus their fierce rivals. Clayton Kershaw was solid as usual in the first game, while Hyun-Jin Ryu threw five shutout innings in the second game. The Dodgers bats woke up in game two, scoring seven runs behind solid hitting performances from Yasiel Puig, Dee Gordon, Andre Ethier and Juan Uribe. The four players combined to go 9 for 18 and drive in five runs. Upon returning home the Dodgers have the annual Freeway Series with the Angels before they kick off the regular season on Sunday night in San Diego. You can purchase Dodgers Tickets for as low as $3.00 per ticket.

Just when it seems things couldn’t be better in the Dodgers camp controversy surrounding Yasiel Puig has started up again, after just two games. After a tough spring and an 0-fer in the first game in Australia, Puig went 3-5 in the second game, driving in two runs. At the plate he looked like the same player that tore up June, July and August last season. In classic Puig fashion the controversy came in the game where he registered three hits. While Puig looked locked-in at the plate he was an absolute disaster on the base paths, making two big base running errors that led to outs, one killing a potential larger Dodger scoring outburst. The second base-running error led to what was described as an intense discussion with Dodgers veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Later on, during his last at bat, Puig swung and missed at a pitch and seemed flung his bat as though injured, prompting Manager Don Mattingly to question whether or not he was actually injured. Puig’s penchant for feigning an injury after a swing and miss, combined with his wild base-running is indicative of what Yahoo! Sports has referred to as his “maddening duality”. When engaged and playing error free baseball Puig is a potential superstar with Bo Jackson type athletic ability. During his rookie season the novelty of Puig helped energize and inspire the team. This season, one where the Dodgers have major expectations, his act may be wearing a little thin.

So what to do with Puig? At a certain point will his antics outweigh his contribution on the field? The answer is likely no, or at least a bit more nuanced than many media members would insist. If Puig is hitting, like last season, he most likely has a spot in the lineup. The added element that wasn’t present last season though is the potential return of Matt Kemp. Kemp’s season-long injury issues coincided with the arrival and success of Puig. With the Dodger start center-fielder potentially returning soon the Dodgers have a full outfield of Kemp, Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford. If Kemp returns and produces, and Ethier continues to hit like he did in spring training, Mattingly will have a choice in who he inserts in the lineup. If Puig’s production suffers he just may find himself coming off the bench a bit more than expected. Chris Michaels.

The Dodgers return to on April 4th for a three game series against the San Francisco Giants starting with their Home Opener on April 4th, Robin Thicke singing on April 5th and Kids Yasiel Puig Fathead for the Sunday 5:00pm game. You can purchase Dodgers Vs Giants Tickets today.

Barry’s Tickets is located just minutes from Dodger Stadium and offers Dodgers Tickets for all games. Open seven days a week makes it easy and convenient for Dodgers fans looking to go on the day of the game.

Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(Across from the Staples Center inside the Luxe City Center Hotel)
Open 7 days a week, 8am – 9pm, for pickups.
(213)749-0057