Steve Webb
Dodgers Vets Love the Signing
CAMELBACK RANCH, AZ — With the news of Freddie Freeman signing with the Dodgers barely twelve hours old, the existing team members were peppered with questions from the media about the blockbuster deal.
Max Muncy, who’s made his living at first base for the last few years, was nothing but positive about the newest Dodger. “(I’m) excited,” said the Dodgers’ slugger. “He’s one of the best players in the game. He makes our lineup so dangerous — it’s going to be fun to watch on a nightly basis, but even on top of that, it gives us a better chance to win another World Series, and that’s what we’re all about here is winning.”
“Excited is probably an understatement,” agreed Muncy’s infield cohort Justin Turner. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of build up and a lot of anticipation.” And to the thought of having a new first baseman to work with? “To see it become official and go down last night, I slept really good,” Turner added with a smile.
“Honestly,” admitted AJ Pollock, “we all just want to win another ring. And every time you add a guy that’s that good… he’s a special talent, a special hitter, and of course you get excited.”
Though everyone in the Dodgers clubhouse was very upbeat about the signing, veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw knew that they would still have to go out and prove they’re champions on the field. “We have a team of All-Stars, and that’s good, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to win. You’ve got to work together, and come together as a team because there are some things about chemistry and culture that you have to work on… We can’t just assume that because we got nine of the best players running out there every day that we’re going to win.”
Still, the mood at Camelback Ranch was jovial to say the least this morning. “There’s not one person who didn’t want him,” said Max Muncy, speaking the thought that was on everyone’s mind, “and now we got him, we just can’t wait til he gets here.”
You and me, both, Max. You and me both.
WATCH THE COMPLETE INTERVIEWS HERE:
