The roster isn't quite where I'd like to see it, but pitchers and catchers report tomorrow, and I think the Dodgers have to be fairly optimistic for 2010.
The team is definitely a contender, and more than likely the favorite, in the National League West, but right now this team isn't a legit World Series contender. As the season progresses, maybe that will change, either via acquisitions or people having great seasons.
Starting tomorrow, when camp officially opens, we'll have a variety of topics to talk about.
Here is what I think are the story lines (in no particular order) to this point.
- Eric Gagne
- Starting pitching
- Second base
- Manny Ramirez
- The development of Kershaw, Bills, Matty Kemp, Andre, Loney etc...
- Rebounding of Russell Martin
- Lack of power on the bench
- Possible rookie contributions
Did I miss anything? Because we're gonna start getting really busy here very soon. Chime in and let me know what we should talk about this Spring.
Sweet now the signed eric gagne jersey I've had hanging on my wall since 05 might regain its value!! Talking about rebounding you should throw Kuroda in that mix (I still remember his last start). The dodgers are a world series contender if a bunch of ifs happen...which is very good possibility
If manny rebounds and everybody else stays the same we have the west locked and can compete with anyone
I bills rebounds and kershaw continues to be consistent we have a 1-2 combo that competes w anyone
If furcal can show september wasn't a fluke and prove he still can be an elite player.
If martin and kuroda can look more like their 08 seasons
If another young prospect comes through hopefully either elbert or mcdonald
If loney steps up and hit 20 hrs which would easily give him 100 rbi s
If kemp gets even better...ethier I think has plateaud (sp)
Two or three of these come through and we are world series contenders
Sweet now the signed eric gagne jersey I've had hanging on my wall since 05 might regain its value!! Talking about rebounding you should throw Kuroda in that mix (I still remember his last start). The dodgers are a world series contender if a bunch of ifs happen...which is very good possibility
If manny rebounds and everybody else stays the same we have the west locked and can compete with anyone
I bills rebounds and kershaw continues to be consistent we have a 1-2 combo that competes w anyone
If furcal can show september wasn't a fluke and prove he still can be an elite player.
If martin and kuroda can look more like their 08 seasons
If another young prospect comes through hopefully either elbert or mcdonald
If loney steps up and hit 20 hrs which would easily give him 100 rbi s
If kemp gets even better...ethier I think has plateaud (sp)
Two or three of these come through and we are world series contenders