One of the reasons the Dodgers went after designated hitter JD Martinez this offseason was his reputation as a leader on and off the field. With Justin Turner departing, it’s likely they felt a need to bring in a similar figure to help fill the void.
Martinez is already showing that leadership, hitting with rookie Miguel Vargas in Miami a week or two ago. At Mookie Betts’ charity bowling event this week, Martinez was asked about his relationship with the young Cuban prospect.
“Yeah, Rob [hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc] … told me about this kid Vargy and how much ‘he looks up to you and idolizes you’ and it kind of happened after Rob came down to Ft.