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“MLB–SEARCH BEGINS
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The Cactus League is open for business and for the Dodgers, Padres, Angels, different questions seeking different answers.

DODGERS…They have no open jobs, just competitions to see ‘who plays where’?  This team is loaded top to bottom with talent.  Deep in starting pitching, very deep in relievers, and loaded with utilitymen who can play different positions.  The most interesting questions for Dave Roberts, who is your closer, from Tanner Scott to Blake Trienen, or is it closer by committee depending on who is hot, or what matchups they will face.  The Dodgers opened camp at Camelback Ranch with Shohei Ohtani throwing bullpens, and waiting to see how post surgery guys like Dustin May and Tony Gonselin look..And with all those arms on that roster, comes the fact a number will be headed to the 60-man disabled list to start the season, clearing roster spots.

ANGELS..They finished up a really interesting off season with rentals of veteran players.  The latest, ex Dodgers legend Kenley Jansen coming in on a 1-year deal to work with Ben Joyce as lead closer.  The starting rotation now features ex Blue Jay-Astro Yusei Kikuchi, along with ex-Cub Kyle Hendricks-who has battled health issues.  And add in former Dodger and Cardinals pitchers Dakota Hudson-Victor Gonzalez, and suddenly there are alot of arms in the Halo camp.  But there is more too, C-Travis D’Arnaud, veteran SS-Tim Anderson, OF-DH-Jorge Soler, and journeyman Kevin Newman-JD Davis-Scott Kingery, bring all types of experience, including some good seasons.  The late addition of ex White Sox-Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada gives him a chance to rally his career and make a huge contribution.  Maybe they hit the jackpot on a couple of the many new names wearing red jerseys,  Add in a healthy season from Mike Trout-Anthony Rendon, and maybe they are no longer a last place team.  At least they are giving Manager Ron Washington help and hope.

PADRES..Fans and the media are treating the franchise like the bottom has fallen out.  It has not, but they have holes and question marks about the budget, a left fielder, a key missing starting pitcher.  The left field competition now starts with the candidates that include ex-Braves-Cubs veteran Jason Heyward…once regarded Rockies-Pirates prospect Connor Joe, plus ex White Sox draft pick Gavin Sheets-who hits some homers but strikes out alot too.  Then there is minor league slugger Tirso Ornelas from El Paso, and journeyman Brandon Lockridge-an ex Yankee.  Add in ex Cleveland hitter Oscar Gonzalez..former Cubs minor leaguer Yon Perlazaa and ex Astros-White Sox flychaser Fores Wall.  6-weeks to find someone to replace the departed Jurickson Profar.  There has not been a big trade yet, so the big contracts of Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez and Michael King are still on the books, as is high priced relief ace Robert Suarez.  Change could come but it is not necessary it be done before the season starts.  They could keep this group intact up till the August 1st trade deadline.  The season is not over before it started.  The Dodgers’ deals makes it feels that way though.

The search for answers begins for the Dodgers, Halos, Friars.
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