A tip of my 2024 Dodgers World Series cap to Andy Pages.
Over the years, Dodgers fans have patiently watched as highly touted prospects struggle to make the transition to the Major League team. Whether it is a hole in their swing or lack of pitch movement or command, other teams seize on these flaws with no mercy. Prospects who do not make the necessary adjustments to their game soon became footnotes in Dodgers history as talented players who woulda-coulda-shoulda.
At the start of the 2025 season Pages wasn’t hitting, and watching him play centerfield was cringe-worthy. He seemed much more comfortable in left or right field, but became the Dodgers de facto center fielder out of necessity, with Teoscar Hernández in right and Michael Conforto in left. He needed to make significant adjustments to his game or he would soon be playing alongside James Outman at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
(ESPN)
Fortunately, Pages has a strong work ethic, the patience of player’s manager Dave Roberts, the tutelage of third base coach Dino Ebel, and the mentorship of Teo. This combination is transforming Pages from a struggling prospect into a legit MLB player, proving that he has what it takes to be a Dodger.
Teoscar worked with Pages on his swing mechanics and his mental approach, and Ebel’s advice to the 24-year-old La Habana, Cuba native was direct – put in the work necessary to become a better defender in center field and become a better base runner. Ebel had Pages get in the outfield during batting practice to field as many balls as possible, and then had him run the bases while his teammates were taking BP.
If success is directly related to perspiration, Pages is going to succeed. He has the necessary tools and the support a manager and coaches wanting him to succeed, but it will be up to him to put in the work. Together, the once struggling outfielder is transforming into a Dodger – offensively and defensively.
KUDOS!
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