Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman took part in the “Dodgers Love LA Community Tour” on Tuesday, helping the Long Beach Salvation Army distribute food to local families in need. He also spent some time talking to the media about the event and general baseball stuff.
A year ago, Freeman was a free agent, although his free agency was on hold because of the lockout. In his ear was Justin Turner, reminding him over and over that Los Angeles would love to have Freddie in Dodger blue.
Coming back to the present, Freeman has been a Dodger for nearly a year, but Turner is no longer here. LA declined his option at the end of the season, and JT ended up signing as a free agent with the Red Sox.
Freeman was asked about how he likes the team even though they’ve lost several players this offseason, and his comments about JT were very heartfelt.
“The big red man, Justin Turner just a special person and special player who meant so much to the Dodgers organization. But Boston’s getting a good one, they’re gonna love him there just like we love him here still, no matter what.”
Turner was a team leader during his nine years with the Dodgers, and it will be weird not having him around. He’s a pillar of the LA community, and that won’t change just because he’s working in Boston for the next year or two. JT is forever a Dodger, the Steve Garvey or Fernando Valenzuela of this generation.
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