2007 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Prediction
May 22, 2008
The Dodgers will run away with the National League West in 2007 unless they catch a heavy dose of the injury bug. The San Francisco Giants may be the only team in the West who even has a shot at the NL West Division other than the Blue and Whites.
LA’s starting rotation appears to be in very good shape with the addition of ace Jason Schmidt who comes down the coast from rival San Francisco. Derek Lowe, Brad Penny, and Randy Wolf should all coast to double digit win seasons. GM Ned Colleti’s hunt for a big bat actually ended him up with Jason Schmidt when their were no worthy takers on the market. This could prove to be the best misfortune Colleti has ever fallen into.
Juan Pierre follows in Nomar Garciapparra’s foot steps coming over from Chicago. The Cubs don’t seem to miss Pierre at all with the signing of Alfonso Soriano to take over the lead off spot, but Pierre did led the NL in hits and stolen bases last season. He has this capability again in 2007, but his on-base percentage has got to get better. Nomar was the Comeback Player of the Year and an easy choice with 20 homeruns and 90 RBIs. Despite just 15 homeruns and 63 RBI’s, the Dodgers will move Rafael Furcal to the three-hole. I see him as more of a number two hitter because of his speed. It will be interesting to see how this move pans out. Veteran stars, Jeff Kent and Luis Gonzalez’s power number are vital to the postseason success of this team. The 14 homeruns that Kent had and the 15 that Gonzalez had in 2006 are not going to be enough for this team to really be a force to be reckoned with in October.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the LA Dodgers have won a playoff series. Their 1988 World Series victory was the last series the Dodgers won and since that time they have only won one playoff game. It wasn’t Colleti’s initial intention, but he picked up Jason Schmidt in the off season which gives him a solid ace to complete this staff. With this guy getting two starts in a seven-game series, the Dodgers chances are looking pretty good. There’s no question that the Dodgers will be the class of the NL West this season while the other four teams try to hang on for a Wild Card berth. The question remain if LA can get it done in the fall. I like their chances this year to finally give their fans some more to cheer about it the playoffs if the Dodgers’ sticks don’t leave them hanging out to dry.
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