Los Angeles Dodgers starter Zack Greinke has never been known to stifle his own opinions, and his recent comments about the 2015 offseason might lead to more change in L.A.
Greinke doesn't seem thrilled with the team's moves this offseason, and might be leaning toward opting out of his contract after the season and testing free agency.
"In the playoffs last year, I thought our team was the best team in baseball," Greinke said Saturday at the Dodgers' Fan Fest. "Obviously, we didn't prove it. But I thought we were the best team in baseball. So, to say we're better than that, I don't know if you could say that."
Greinke was 17-8 with a 2.71 ERA and 1.15 WHIP last year for the Dodgers, who won the National League West division. He pitched more than 200 innings, struck out more than a batter per inning, and registered his lowest BB/9 since 2005, his second MLB season.
The team's makeover has him worried about team chemistry to start the year out, and could hurt their performance in the early part of the season.
"When you change a team a lot, sometimes it takes a year, or a couple of months, to jell. It doesn't matter if you bring in the greatest guys in the world. It takes a little time to get used to them."
The Dodgers brought in former Rays general manager Andrew Friedman this offseason, and he made clubhouse character a high priority. The move was reminiscent of the Boston Red Sox shipping out seveal high-priced players in exchange for bodies that seemed like downgrades at the time. Friedman said he wanted the Dodgers to be "a highly functional team, instead of a collection of talent." This offseason he dealt away outfielder Matt Kemp, who was reportedly unhappy about moving from center field, infielder Dee Gordon, who led MLB in stolen bases, and Dan Haren. He also let shortstop Hanley Ramirez leave via free agency.
All this means the Dodgers may decide to shift gears and use their deep pockets to sign free agent right-hander James Shields, the best player left on the market. He would bolster an already-strong rotation this year, and leave them with a solid replacement for Greinke if he opts out, and can make more than L.A. is willing to pay him.
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