Looking ahead to 2009: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines last offseason, bringing in former Yankee manager Joe Torre, struggling Braves outfielder Andruw Jones, and Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.  Many predicted that the Dodgers would have success in the weak NL West, and they delivered, winning the division and reaching the NLCS before going down to the eventual champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Russell Martin is one of the best young catchers in the game.  He hits for power, average, plays good defense, and gets on base at rate that should put him at the top of the lineup.  He’s behind the plate for most of the Dodgers games – 155 in 2008 – and will retain his starting spot in 2009.

The Dodgers infield has some questions going into 2009.  First baseman James Loney is one of the games better young hitters, though more power is expected at the position.  Second baseman Jeff Kent has fallen off from his usual 100 RBI days, and he may retire.  Shortstop Rafael Furcal is a free agent and is highly sought after by many teams with holes at shortstop.  Re-signing him will be a top priority.  Casey Blake was acquired before last years’ trade deadline to play third base, but he is a free agent as well – he’s likely to sign with an AL Central team.  Oft-injured Nomar Garciaparra or 2008 rookie Blake DeWitt are candidates for the position, though the club could look to fill the hole through a trade, possibly for Hank Blalock or Joe Crede.

Young outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier broke out in 2008, finally receiving every day playing time.  Speedy left fielder Juan Pierre will be in the mix if not traded, and Andruw Jones will be hanging around as well – he’s fallen off mightily since his All-Star days in Atlanta.  Of course, the big question is whether or not slugger Manny Ramirez, acquired from Boston at the last second of the trade deadline, will return.  The Dodgers made a huge offer, but it has since been rescinded. 

Like most playoff teams, the Dodgers found a strength in their starting rotation.  Chad Billingsley broke out to win 16 games, rookie Clayton Kershaw emerged as a rising talent, and the aforementioned Kuroda performed well in his first season in the U.S.  Young James McDonald made the Dodgers 2008 playoff roster and will likely earn a spot, and former Giants ace Jason Schmidt is a wild card as he hopes to return from two injury plagued seasons.

Closer Takashi Saito was hurt at the end of the Dodgers run, but he’s as solid as they come at the end of games.  Setup man Jonathan Broxton has closers stuff, and rookie Cory Wade emerged as one of Torre’s infamous “go to guys” in 2008.  Former Dodgers starter Chan Ho Park found new success as a middle reliever, and Hong-Chih Kuo gave the team a hard throwing lefty option late in ballgames.  Scott Proctor had an ineffective 2008 – think he’s happy to be reunited with Joe Torre?  Other candidates include Ramon Troncoso, and Yhency Brazoban.

The main priority for the Dodgers this offseason will be to settle their infield situation.  As a team that struggled offensively last year, they would like to retain or add some good bats to their lineup.  I see a deal for a good hitting third baseman in the Dodgers future, and perhaps a middle of the rotation starter to replace the departing Derek Lowe, as Schmidt can hardly be counted on.
 

 

Topics: Baseball , MLB , Furcal , Manny Ramirez , Kuroda , Torre , Dodgers