Utility:
Olmedo Saenz INF, Hee-Seop Choi 1B, Ricky Ledee OF, Jason Worth OF, Sandy
Alomar JR C.
25th
man contenders: Greg Miller LHP, Tim Hamulack LHP, Yhency Brazabon
RHP, Aaron Sele RHP, Lance Carter RHP, Cesar Izturis INF, Oscar Robles 3B,
Willy Aybar 2B
Departures: Milton Bradley OF, Jeff Weaver SP, Elmer Dessens RP,
Giovani Carrara RP
Additions: Nomar Garciaparra 1B/SS, Kenny Lofton OF, Rafael Furcal
SS, Bill Mueller 3B, Brett Tomko SP, Lance Carter RP, Danny Baez RP.
Strengths: Milton is gone. Starting pitching depth will allow the
Dodgers to maneuver with a deep bench and allow Grady Little and Ned
Colletti to effectively maximize the potential of the often-underachieving
Dodgers. A proven lineup, with post season experience: Garciaparra, Kent and
Drew are a formidable threesome at the heart of the lineup coupled with
Lofton and Furcal who know how to set the table, could lead to a long summer
for opposing pitchers.
Weaknesses: Lack of bullpen depth under Gagne and Baez will be a big
problem; the Dodgers are expected to go with an 11 man pitching staff. Grady
Little left Boston under attack, the National League calls for a bigger
stage for managers, and in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles the media is
trained to swarm at the first sign of perspiration.. Is Gagne fully
healthy? Can Lofton still walk? Has Kent found a car wash? Does Drew know
the quickest route to the hospital? Will Nomar be able to find first base?
Foreseen
variables: The Dodgers will try to solidify the bullpen through a
trade before the all-star break, especially if the team doesn’t get off to a
hot start or Gagne isn’t dominating. Darren Dreifort, then Edwin Jackson,
what will 2006 have in store?
2006
Projection:
3rd in the division. The wildcard should come from the West and
the Dodgers will challenge for it.
