Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Reveals James Outman Was Never in Danger of Being Demoted

James Outman was never in danger of being demoted since he is more mature than Miguel Vargas. At least that's how Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks at it.

No one thought Outman would make the Dodgers when the team entered spring training. However, Vargas was a player we heard about all offseason. He was fully expected to play in Los Angeles to open the season.

It was Outman, though, who got off to a hot start in March and forcing his way onto the opening day roster. He carried that over into an electric month of April which he rode to National League Rookie of the Month honors.

Outman slipped and had his struggles in May and June. Same as Vargas. But it was Vargas who was sent to Triple-A to end the first half of the season. For Roberts, there were a few factors that went into it.

"James is a few years older," Roberts told reporters on Saturday. "Just that maturity to handle some failure, to kind of fight your way back out of it. With some age, it gives you a better chance. That's just life. He's logged a lot more at-bats."

Via Jack Harris, LA Times.

Even the casual fan could see the difference between Outman and Vargas. At no time during Outman’s slump did he lose confidence at the plate. On the other side, Vargas rarely looked comfortable at the plate. And, it seemed like his approach changed from what it was throughout his minor league career where he was a line-drive hitter with an occasional home run.

At 23, Vargas seemed didn’t he didn't know how to deal with adversity before coming to the Major Leagues since he never faced it. A complete player can handle everything that comes their way, including slumps.

In the past this season, Roberts had praised James Outman's ability to stay even keel through his ups and downs. Maybe it's age and experience that helped him after all. Still, Roberts feels the rookie outfielder has a little ways to go fit his role for this team perfectly.

“Right now, I think that’s where he’s at. Somewhere in the middle, like most things. I think the conversations that I’ve had with him, that’s all we’re looking for. He’s not supposed to be a carrier. He doesn’t need to be with this team. If he’s somewhere in the middle, he’s going to be very helpful for us this year and as he gets more experience, he’ll be more of a carrier.”

Via OC Register.