SCOTTSDALE, AZ (NEXSTAR) — The Dodgers roster is littered with young talented players, which is a big reason for their back-to-back World Series appearances, but just as important is 34-year-old third baseman Justin Turner.
Easily recognizable by his bright red beard — the longest tenured position player on the Dodgers, Turner has not only become a favorite with the fans, but in the clubhouse as well.
Playing in his sixth season in LA and using the last two seasons as motivation to finally end the club’s 31-year World Series title drought.
For the past two seasons the Dodgers’ ended watching another team celebrating.
But this year, they will not only attempt to make their third straight trip to the World Series, but win it — A feat that has eluded the club for over three decades.
“I think everyone has a bad taste in their mouth,” said Turner. “You lose two of those in a row you want to get back to work and how to win the last game.”
Turner is a big reason for the Dodgers recent success.
He was named the 2017 NLCS MVP and leads the team in batting average, hitting .312 in 2018 — a type of veteran that the young guys look up to.
“He’s definitely a guy that I try to pick his brain as much as I can and just being around him day to day just, watch about how he goes about his business and what he does,” said Dodgers’ prospect Gavin Lux. “He’s a pro’s pro, so he does everything right.”
Turner can’t do it alone and knows a new crop of young talent will help them reach their goals.
“We got a really deep club. Our young guys are really talented and it seems like they come into the games late and keep doing damage,” said Turner. “I think Rios just hit a homer and Estavez and Matt Bee Dee so the depth is incredible to see those guys come in and play the game that they do is exciting for us.”
The latest 2019 World Series odds have the Dodgers 7-1 to win it all.
