SAN DIEGO -- Dave Roberts talked a lot all spring about how the Dodgers would be flexible with their lineup all season, often switching based on matchups and/or availability. This struck a chord mostly with the lack of a prototypical leadoff hitter on the team, a speedster to get on base and steal bases on his way to scoring runs.
Among the unconventional candidates used in the spring was Chase Utley, who got the call on opening day, just the 12th time in his 14-year career he started atop a lineup. Utley was one of many moves that worked for the Dodgers in their 15-0 blowout win over the Padres.