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2014 Cleveland Gameday HQ

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST Alex Guerrero, Los Angeles Dodgers Second Baseman Alex Guerrero is in a dogfight with another converted shortstop Dee Gordon for the open starting second-base spot. But so far the 26-yearrookie from Cuba has more than held his own and shown all why the Dodgers signed him to a four-year, $28 million deal in October 2013, once he defected from Cuba. Part of the reason Guerrero left his home country was his anger about being left off of Cuba’s World Baseball Classic roster. In 547 games in Cuba, Guerrero hit 308 with 102 home runs. He displayed that same power in spring training this season with L.A., while also showcasing the ability to get on, run the bases, handle the glove and so on. If for any reason the Dodgers do send Guerrero to Triple-A it will only be for a short time to get some seasoning. After all, he wasn’t able to play much in the Dominican Winter League because of hamstring injuries and the Dodgers have a checklist of tings they need him to work on before they commit to him as their starter. For one, the Dodgers are still working on normal short-to-second-base tendencies that need to be improved upon (switching angles of throws and bag work while turning double plays). In spring training, Guerrero and Gordon both split time at the position defensively, with Guerrero getting starts every game, playing designated hitter in the contests he didn’t start at second. Keep in mind: Guerrero is still learning English, the MLB game, a new country, a new city, new teammates, new position. All that said, the organization is happy with what they’ve seen on the field so far, especially from his tireless work ethic and desire to get better. Whether he starts as Dodgers second baseman, platoons with Gordon or ships off to Albuquerque in April, one thing is clear: Guerrero should earn the second-base starter’s role at some point in 2014. NL WEST DIVISION NOTABLES: Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks P; Edwin Escobar, San Francisco Giants P; Reymond Fuentes, San Diego Padres OF; Jonathan Gray, Colorado Rockies P. Guerrero


2014 Cleveland Gameday HQ
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