One of the most heartbreaking things about this Dodgers offseason has been the departure of Justin Turner to the Red Sox. JT spent nine years in Dodger blue and felt like he should have stayed in LA the rest of his career, but that didn’t work out, and he’ll spend the next year or two in Boston.
But Turner still has ties to Los Angeles, and he was back in town recently for an LA Dream Center Foundation event. While he was around, he talked with local radio about a variety of topics. One of those topics was his life after baseball, whenever that comes. JT was asked if he’d like to stay in baseball “in some capacity” after he’s done playing.
“Some baseball capacity is a good way to put it. I love the game. I don’t know if Kourtney wants me to be home, like, all day, every day. So, I’m pretty sure I’ll stay in the game in some way, shape or form. I don’t know if it’s going to be the Orel and Nomar talking about the game in the booth. I don’t know if it’s going to be the Chase Utley special advisor in and out, helping out behind the scenes. Or if it’s going to be in the dugout somewhere.”
Turner mentions Orel Hershiser and Nomar Garciaparra, who are both with the Dodgers as broadcasters and analysts, and he’d undoubtedly be excellent in that role. But later in the interview, he said this:
“Yeah, I can see myself being in the dugout.”
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts has said in the past he’d like to see Turner replace him someday, and Turner’s respect in the clubhouse and knowledge of the game would help make him an outstanding coach. Coaching would also allow a guy like Turner, whose competitive fire is likely to outlive his physical ability to play baseball at a high level, to throw himself into a new challenge.
Whatever it is, one thing seems clear: Boston is a temporary layover on JT’s trip to eventually wind up back in Los Angeles. And that’s a good thing.
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