The Los Angeles Dodgers are searching for answers. The team has the most expensive pay roll in the major leagues and yet they are treading water to keep their head afloat as the San Francisco Giants lead the division. Inconsistency at the plate is certainly hurting as well as team chemistry. The outfield has fallen into the spotlight recently and Carl Crawford is not happy about it.
The Dodgers have a crowded outfield. Right now, Crawford is sharing playing time with Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig and Andre Either. As he sits on the disabled list following a sprained ankle, the outfielder is unsure where he stands with the team when he returns.
"I'm in a situation where I can't afford to come back rusty," Crawford said, via the Los Angeles Times. "I've got to make sure I'm on point. You never know, you could have a few bad games and we all know what's going to happen then. I don't know if I'm going to be playing again when I come back. I don't know what my situation's going to be. The rotation is basically putting us in a situation where we have to be on point when we get in the game."
Each of the outfielders for the Dodgers has struggled this season. Kemp was benched for several games. Crawford has been injured. Puig has dealt with maturity issues. Ethier is inconsistent. All four players are unhappy with the current rotation taking place. Each player still has a significant contract to their name making potential moves hard to find, but is a trade the best option for either Crawford or Kemp? Crawford is already upset with having to switch positions. Could his complaining get him a trade?
"That's just the way it goes. They tell us one thing and then something else happens, so you can't just go by what's being said," Crawford said. "You have to just wait to see which guy is struggling and wait for our turn to play, you know? It's been frustrating for all of us, but we have to be men about the situation and accept what's going on and try to do what's best for the team and be ready when it's time. There's nothing we can do about it."
Manager Don Mattingly is under the impression that everything is fine between the players. He is more concerned with getting Crawford healthy and worrying about playing time after that. He noted that right now the team does not have the luxury to have players sitting on the disabled list for too long.
There are several teams eyeing help in the outfield. The Boston Red Sox are in desperate need of some upgrades and either Crawford or Kemp would be an ideal fit. Shane Victorino continues to sit on the disabled list and no one seems to be able to fill his place. The Seattle Mariners or New York Mets are also options for either Kemp or Crawford.
