Call to the pen
Fansided

Los Angeles Dodgers: 3 Overlooked Storylines Heading Into Spring Training

By Cesar Becerra

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 03: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 3, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 03: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 3, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images) /
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Dodgers
ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 15: Scott Alexander /

Scott Alexander’s role in the bullpen

The Dodgers made a move in early January to trade for left-handed reliever Scott Alexander from the Royals. The move cemented their decision to move on from Tony Watson and means Alexander or Tony Cingrani will assume the role he had during the second half of the season.

Alexander comes to Los Angeles with great promise. In his first full season with the Royals, Alexander was stellar posting a 2.58 ERA in 58 appearances over 69 innings. Those numbers were good enough to earn him a 1.1 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) which ranked third on his team among relievers.

Alexander is the favorite over Cingrani to assume the role left vacant by Watson. He was great at throwing up scoreless innings, finishing the season with a 78.1% LOB (Left On-base) and a 0.39 HR/9 ratio. When comparing his numbers to Watson, Alexander stacks up better than Watson.

Last season with the Dodgers Watson had a 2.70 ERA in 24 appearances over 20 innings. Over the full season with the Pirates and Dodgers, Watson had a 3.38 ERA in 71 appearances in over 66 innings. So based on last season’s performances, the Dodgers significantly upgraded their bullpen by trading for Alexander.

Alexander was yet another move by Andrew Friedman that didn’t generate the big headlines but is one that will help solidify the bullpen. The Dodgers got a younger, cheaper and more efficient reliever. Not to mention Alexander is under team control until the 2020 season when he becomes arbitration eligible. The only question about Alexander is whether he can assume the role that Brandon Morrow left and become the Dodgers new set-up man. It will be interesting if Roberts takes a flyer on Alexander in that role or if Pedro Baez emerges as the next setup man.

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