(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Another reason the top of the lineup is so key: The bottom half has serious question marks in almost every spot.
Will J.D. Martinez have a bounce-back year as DH, or continue a recent statistical decline now that he’s 35?
Will Miguel Rojas stick as the everyday shortstop after taking over in the wake of Lux’s season-ending injury?
Will Miguel Vargas and James Outman produce in their first extended big-league action, or struggle to adapt to MLB pitching?
And will platoons in left and center field help the Dodgers get by, or will the individual deficiencies of Chris Taylor (who has struggled with strikeouts), Trayce Thompson (who had a cold spring), David Peralta (who went quiet down the stretch last season) and Jason Heyward (who rebuilt his swing this winter) be too much to overcome?
After five straight seasons of the Dodgers leading the league in scoring, the team’s potency at the plate is in doubt.