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This is especially important after the team's big loss this season.
The Dodgers enter 2023 as a different team than last season, which won 111 games. Longtime Dodgers Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger are gone, along with 2022 shortstops Trey Turner, Tyler Anderson and Andrew Hein.
These guys were replaced by guys like JD Martinez, Noah Syndergaard, Miguel Rojas, David Peralta and a few youngsters like Miguel Vargas and James Outman.
The veterans in the locker room will need to be strong, especially after the loss of the club's leader, Justin Turner, amid changes in the squad. That's why Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is especially grateful for the addition of longtime MLB veteran Martinez, who has had a positive impact on the club.
"When you lose people around you (like Justin Turner) and you have the experience of filling that void with someone who has been successful like other players, I think that adds a little bit of, I don't know, peace of mind. I think it gives the club confidence, even if it's not in one word. It's a different point of view. Different experience JD is an extension of me and the coaches, she and Robert (Von Skoguk) have a good relationship and he always says the right things. That's why it's good to have her at the club.
Martinez made a big impact this season working with Florida starter Vargas. Moreover, he has helped the club a lot in the spring and will continue to work with his teammates as the season progresses.
It's always good for coaches to have a player who can connect and mentor his teammates, and Martinez looks set to do just that in his first season in Los Angeles. And finally, all this will be a reward for the performance he brings to the field.
