2013 MLB Team Preview: LA Dodgers
Many on the experts believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers are primed for a deep run all the way to the World Series this season, but only time will tell whether or not all this high-priced talent can come together as a team to get the job done.
Bovada’s Odds to Win
- NL West -125
- National League: 4/1
- World Series: 17/2
Key Additions
Although Carl Crawford, Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett were actually with the team for part of last season, this will be there first full season in Dodgers’ Blue. The pressure will also be dialed-up on all four of these players to finally start paying some dividends on each of their hefty salaries.
The biggest new face in the dugout this season is starter Zack Greinke, who was brought in over the offseason as hopefully one of the last missing pieces to bringing home a title.
Probable lineup
- 1. 2B Mark Ellis
- 2. RF Andre Ethier
- 3. CF Matt Kemp
- 4. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
- 5. SS Hanley Ramirez
- 6. LF Carl Crawford
- 7. 3B Luis Cruz
- 8. C A.J. Ellis
There is still quite a bit of power here with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier each belting over 20 home runs last season. Overall, the Dodgers were ranked eighth in the NL in hitting with a team batting average of .252, but just 13th in total runs scored.
If this lineup lives up to its potential, it should able to dramatically improve in both of these areas. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Probable rotation
- LHP Clayton Kershaw
- RHP Zack Greinke
- RHP Josh Beckett
- LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
- RHP Chad Billingsley
Everyone know that Kershaw is a proven commodity, but the Dodgers are counting on the addition of Greinke and Beckett returning to form to add enough depth to a starting rotation that has the potential to be one of the best in the NL.
The Dodgers were ranked second in the NL last season with a team ERA of 3.34 and all the other pieces of the puzzle in the bullpen remain in place for another strong performance this season.
Bullpen
Closer
RHP Brandon League
While League may not be thought of as a true closer, he is the best arm on the pitching staff right now to fill that role.
2013 LA Dodgers Prediction:
Everything is in place for 95 plus wins and a NL West title. The Dodgers would still have to contend with the likes of Washington and possibly Cincinnati to win the NL Pennant, but there is no lack of big bats and big arms on this roster to get the job done.
As with every team health is always a concern, but the bigger issue here is having big names play up the big numbers in their contract.
If that happens, at the very least the Dodgers should be playing in the NLCS this season.