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Los Angeles Dodgers Season Predictions | 2014 Season Betting Preview

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2014 Team Previews – Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are willing to spend money. A lot of money.

We get it.

The team hasn’t shied away from giving out big money contracts, overpaying in some cases, though it has led to a massive influx of talent into the organization that has allowed the team to completely forego the rebuilding process, and has them mentioned now in the same breath as the free-spending New York Yankees.

What that will translate to in 2014 is yet to be seen. The Dodgers have a crowded outfield which could lead to problems down the road, and a couple of their infield spots leave a lot to be desired, but their pitching will be strong both in the rotation and the bullpen, and a run for the World Series seems likely, even playing out of a crowded N.L. West.

Bovada’s Odds to Win

NL West: -200
National League: +300
World Series: +700

Key Additions

The Dodgers could have been content with the way things played out last season and hoped that a healthy Matt Kemp would solve all their problems, but instead the team was proactive in free agency and brought in some players that figure to be key contributors right away.

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Dan Haren is projected to earn a spot in the middle of the rotation after coming in on a $10 million deal. Chris Perez should help an already strong bullpen in a reduced role. Alexander Guerrero figures to be the everyday second baseman.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. Yasiel Puig, RF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Hanley Ramirez, SS
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Matt Kemp, CF
6. Juan Uribe, 3B
7. A.J. Ellis, C
8. Alexander Guerrero, 2B

A top heavy lineup could be buoyed if the team can find another home for Andre Ethier who should have some value for most teams willing to eat his substantial contract. If the Dodgers can somehow swing a deal which nets them a second baseman to push Guerrero that would be a huge bonus.
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A repeat performance from Uribe would be asking a bit much after a strong 2013. Kemp has had injury woes each of the last two seasons, but played 155 or more games in the four years prior. Hanley Ramirez really re-found his groove last season, though keeping him on the field has been tricky.

Projected Starting Rotation

1. Clayton Kershaw
2. Zack Greinke
3. Hyun-Jin Ryu
4. Dan Haren
5. Josh Beckett

Kershaw is of course the guy that makes everything go, but Greinke and Ryu shouldn’t be overlooked. What the team can expect from Beckett is unknown, and whether they’ll get the Dan Haren that was a gas can early in his time in Washington or the one that was hot in the second half will play a big role in how the team fairs.

Paul Maholm is also around should someone falter, Chad Billingsley will be looking for a shot somewhere down the road after Tommy John Surgery last April, and Stephen Fife was serviceable a year ago.

Bullpen

Closer: Kenley Jansen
Setup men: Brian Wilson, Chris Perez

Jansen was finally handed the closer’s job last season and he really ran with it. The team has always been deep out of the ‘pen and this year is no different. A regression is surely in order from Brian Wilson, though a $10 million deal will ensure he gets his fair share of chances to work the eighth inning.

Chris Perez can be thrown right into the fire having closed for the Indians a year ago. Brandon League is still around, and J.P. Howell has always been affective against lefties.

2014 Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction

The Dodgers really went out on a sour note in last year’s postseason, falling to the Cardinals by a score of 9-0 in their elimination game. It’s scary to think what the team could be if they were to remain healthy through October.

The team added some depth in the offseason which should help them through the regular year, and home field advantage through the playoffs could be what puts them over the top this go around.

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By Gino Bottero

Gino is new to CappersPicks.com but NOT new to the online gambling industry.He's got an AMAZING knack for discovering hidden gems when it comes to betting on sports. Stick with him as he predicts when a team will have a letdown! Check Gino out for NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB betting articles all season long!