Looking at his place with the Red Sox, there are a few guys in his

He’s useful Gregor Blanco Jersey , but he may need to get to another organization for a real chance."way in both roles. Although his best role is something of a multi-inning reliever, I’m not sure the Red Sox have a need for that kind of guy right now — their 1-5 is one that they’d hope can go six innings every time out (not that they will) — but even if they did Travis Lakins would be the preferable option down in Triple-A. Mike Shawaryn would arguably be above him, too. Then, there are the traditional relievers down in the minors like Colten Brewer, Josh Taylor, Bobby Poyner and eventually Darwinzon Hernandez. Shepherd’s best bet is as an emergency depth option for the rotation, and even there he is behind at least Brian Johnson Fernando Rodney Jersey , Hector Velzquez and likely Shawaryn as well. He could be behind Erasmo Ramirez, too, though performance could change that. It doesn’t help that Shepherd has yet to pitch in spring as he makes his way back from elbow soreness.Ultimately, the Red Sox have at least a couple of open spots to bring on players who are not yet on the 40-man roster, giving Shepherd a little bit of breathing room. As the year goes on, it is unfortunately likely more spots will open up by virtue of the 60-day disabled list. The issue is, whether Shepherd is still around or not, is that there may not be a spot for him anywhere. His best role may be on a team that uses an Opener consistently Jorge De La Rosa Jersey , but the Red Sox aren’t that team. I’m not sure whether or not the righty can succeed in the majors, but I don’t see a clear path for the 2019 Red Sox without a bunch of injuries. It looks like this could be another year in the minors while taking up a 40-man spot for Shepherd, who could probably use a move to another organization to really get his shot. LOS ANGELES (AP) — A loaded starting rotation. Solid hitters who can play multiple positions. An All-Star closer. The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again stocked for a successful run.So what’s wrong?They haven’t won a World Series championship since 1988. Two straight years of the World Series champion celebrating in Los Angeles has left plenty of unfinished business for a team that is built to win titles.Manager Dave Roberts, criticized for his pitching decisions last season, has a contract extension through 2022. His ability to get everyday players to buy into the platoon approach and daily pursuit of favorable matchups is critical with a front office focused on analytics.The Dodgers’ lineup figures to be a revolving door once again, especially if injuries sideline key players. Last season, third baseman Justin Turner missed the first 40 games and Max Muncy emerged as a solid contributor similar to what Chris Taylor did in 2017.Some things to watch for as the Dodgers open spring training in Glendale, Arizona:NEW LOOK: They dumped salary by trading Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig to Cincinnati while also reducing the outfield glut. Those moves created payroll flexibility to bring in A.J. Pollock from Arizona as the everyday centerfielder. It’s possible youngster Alex Verdugo Taijuan Walker Jersey , a top prospect for five years, and Andrew Toles, coming back from injury, could have larger roles in the outfield. The team signed free agent Joe Kelly from Boston to be closer Kenley Jansen’s setup man. SS Corey Seager is expected back after recovering from hip and Tommy John surgeries. There were departures from the front office and coaching ranks. General manager Farhan Zaidi left to run baseball operations for the rival San Francisco Giants. Third base coach Chris Woodward became the Texas Rangers’ new manager and hitting coach Turner Ward went to Cincinnati, where he reunited with Puig. Still unknown is the status of SS Manny Machado, a free agent who has yet to sign with a team. Other unsigned free agents are RHP John Axford, RHP Daniel Hudson and RHP Ryan Madson.ROOKIES TO WATCH: C Keibert Ruiz, the Dodgers’ minor league player of the year in 2017 http://www.diamondbacksfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-greinke-jersey , is a 20-year-old switch-hitter from Venezuela. He was the second-youngest player to get 400 plate appearances at Double-A last season. OF Alex Verdugo is ready for the majors but a glut of outfielders at that level has kept him in Triple-A the last two seasons. RHP Dustin May is only 21 but his fastball touches 97 mph. C Will Smith hit 20 homers in the high minors last season.THEY’RE SET: LHP Clayton Kershaw anchors a deep rotation that is key to the Dodgers’ continued success. Kershaw’s velocity has dipped and he’s dealt with recurring back problems the last three seasons, but he’s still one of the game’s elite pitchers. RHP Walker Buehler emerged as a hard-throwing future ace in his first season. He came up big in Game 7 of the NLCS and was dominant in Game 3 of the World Series. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, LHP Rich Hill and RHP Kenta Maeda make up a solid backend of the rotation. Jansen remains one of the best closers in the game.THEY’RE NOT: With free agent Yasmani Grandal gone, the Dodgers brought back veteran Russell Martin to pair with Austin Barnes while youngsters Ruiz and Smith continue to develop. Barnes is better at defense than offense and depending on Martin’s production this could be the weakest spot for the team.ON DECK: The stockpile of division titles and two straight losing appearances in the World Series have left the fan base wanting more. But a talented roster and a strong farm system make Los Angeles the favorite for another NL West title and a deep playoff run. The Dodgers open the season at home on March 28 with a four-game series against division rival Arizona.