Dodgers fans chant for Freddie Freeman in spring training debut

Spring training has been full of new things for Freddie Freeman. Strangest among them: Dodger fans being happy to see him.

“Usually Dodger fans aren’t chanting my name,” he joked to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times after his spring training debut.

Freeman batted third yesterday and went one for two with a single over the course of four innings. It was, by all accounts, a modest start for the Dodgers’ newest star, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

“Everything’s just new,” said Freeman, who is experiencing his first Arizona spring training after 15 years at Braves camp in Florida. “[The Dodgers] have been very welcoming and let me get my bearings here.”

Freeman has been practicing as much as possible on back fields and said he’s hoping to play in as many games as possible for the rest of spring training camp.

Dodgers Links

The Dodgers’ infield is tied for the title of best in the big leagues, writes R.J. Anderson at CBS sports.

The Dodgers will be closing by committee in the wake of Kenley Jansen’s departure, writes Bill Plunkett at the OC Register.

Jim Bowden at The Athletic has a long list of superlatives for MLB teams, from best offseason to best “eyebrows signing.”