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2008 Los Angeles Dodgers preview
This year with the arrival of new manager Joe Torre and the free agent signings of CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta, and P Hiroki Kuroda from Japan’s Hiroshima Carp, the Dodger faithful are looking for the club to do something it hasn’t done since 1988; return to the World Series.
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GM Ned Coletti brought in Torre to replace former manager Grady Little after Torre severed ties with the New York Yankees after last season. Torre brings an asset to the team that they haven’t had since Tommy Lasorda, a manager who has multiple World Series appearances. In fact since 1996 Torre has been to 6 of them and won 4 World Series titles. Torre, along with bench coach Don Mattingly, who followed Torre from the Bronx, should give the Dodgers the boost they need to return to the playoffs after their one year hiatus. Jones gives the Dodgers an added dimension that last year's team lacked - a right handed power bat in the middle of the lineup. Kuroda should solidify the back end of the rotation and buy time for the young kids that are waiting to break through into the rotation over the next few years as well as Jason Schmidt who was injured for most of last year.
2008 Dodgers Starting Pitchers
Arguably, the starting pitching for the Dodgers last season was the strength of the team. Led by ace Brad Penny (16-4, 3.03 ERA), sinker ball specialist Derek Lowe (12-14, 3.88 ERA) and 23-year-old Chad Billingsley (12-5, 3.31 ERA) the Dodgers posted the 10th best ERA in the majors with a 4.20 team ERA. This year the #4 spot will belong to Japanese import Hiroki Kuroda who went 40-26 over the past 3 years in Japan. Kuroda throws a low 90’s fastball, along with a late-breaking slider and a sharp forkball. It will be interesting to see what he can bring to the table for the Dodgers. This year the #5 spot is up for grabs. Currently the leaders are RHP Esteban Loiaza and LHP Clayton Kershaw. Loaiza is experienced but Kershaw brings a young arm to the table at only 19. Kershaw throws a high 90’s fastball, a devastating 11-5 curve, a decent change-up and a slider that is being fine-tuned. Kershaw’s potential should help him lock up the 5th spot.
2008 Dodgers Bullpen
The Dodger bullpen was another strength on the team last year. However, during critical junctures of the season, the middle relief core was inconsistent. Takashi Saito (39 SV, 1.40 ERA) returns from last year to be the closer again. Saito was dominant all year long but if he struggles at all during the year closer-in-waiting Jonathan Broxton (2.85 ERA, 1.2 K/IP) will be ready to take over. In setup roles, workaholic Scott Proctor (86.1 IP, 3.65 ERA), lefty Joe Biemel (83 G, 3.88 ERA), and 39 year old Rudy Saenez (6 W, 3.79 ERA) all return from last year. Long relief should be dictated by who wins the 5th starter competition. The loser should land in the bullpen along with either Jon Meloan or Yhency Brazoban. Jason Schmidt is the X factor for the pitching staff; if he returns healthy, then Kershaw should be in the minors for some fine tuning, getting ready for a late season call-up. Loaiza then would pitch out of the bullpen.
2008 Dodgers Infield
All 5 starters return from the 2007 team's in the infield. Together these five form one of the most complete infields in all of baseball. At 1B, in just his first major league season James Loney (.331, 15 HR, 67 RBI) showed he could become a very productive middle of the order hitter. Loney also plays well in the field making him a young, talented do-it-all player. At 2B Jeff Kent (.302 BA, 20 HR, 79 RBI) returns for his 17th season and his 4th in Dodger blue. Kent is one of the best hitting 2B in MLB history and will be a critical part of this team if they are to make the playoffs. At SS Rafael Furcal (.270, 25 SB) is a prototypical #2 hitter. He is a great contact hitter from both sides of the plate and has tremendous speed. At 3B Nomar Gaciaparra (.283 BA, 59 RBI) is an excellent defender and a decent hitter. C is the strength of the infield. Russell Martin (.293, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 21 SB, Gold Glove) is the best C in the game. Russell was the only C last year to have 20+ SB and he added the NL Gold Glove award. The Dodgers have one of the best infields in all of baseball and it can only get better when 3B prospect Andy Laroche makes it to the major.
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2008 Dodgers Outfield
The Dodgers made a big splash in free agency when they signed perennial all star Andruw Jones (.222, 26 HR, 94 RBI) to a 2-year deal. Why the 2-year deal? Well Andruw is coming off his worst season as a pro. Still, in an off year, Andruw hit 26 HR and had 94 RBI - not a bad year at all. An added bonus is Jones’ defensive play. He is still a top three defensive CF along with Torii Hunter of the Angels and Ichiro with the Mariners. Jones gives the Dodgers the power bat they were sorely lacking in the middle of their lineup. In the corner OF positions there are three players who should platoon and all get significant playing time. Currently Juan Pierre (.293, 64 SB) and Matt Kemp (.342, 10 HR, 42 RBI) are the starters, but both will platoon with 4th outfielder Andre Eithier (.284, 13 HR, 64 RBI).
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2008 Los Angeles Dodgers Outlook
The Dodgers finished 4th in the NL West last year. The Diamondbacks finished 1st and really improved their team in the off-season with the acquisition of P Dan Haren. The Rockies who won the NL pennant last year as the Wild Card will have a tough time bouncing back this year with their losses in free agency. The Padres, who finished 3rd, just missed out on the playoffs losing to the Rockies in a 1-game playoff but will their hitting to be able to lead them to the postseason? The Giants are a very old team. They have the SP to compete but their lineup and bullpen are atrocious. The Dodgers have no major holes on their team and have plenty of depth. Look for them to make a run in the postseason after earning the Wild Card.
2008 Los Angeles Dodgers Record - 92-70 2nd in NL West (Wild Card)
By Austin Champagne
ProBaseball-fans.com Staff Writer
> View all of the 2008 MLB team previews from Pro Baseball Fans
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