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The Dodgers’ Offseason In Review

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason has been plagued by an ugly divorce between owner Frank McCourt and former Dodger Chief Executive Jamie McCourt. The divorce proceedings came to a standstill over which, if either, was going to be able to maintain control of the franchise. Regardless of who remains in charge of the organization once the dust settles, the team is still expected repeat as division champions.

There isn’t much time to rest in Major League Baseball front offices. The season ended for the Dodgers on October 21, and the winter meetings were held December 6-9. While other contenders looked to add the missing piece to their championship puzzles, the Dodgers seemed to have their hands tied.

Blockbuster deals were made and teams looking to contend signed big name free agents throughout December and January. So far, the Dodgers moves have been more calculated while World Series contenders like the Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies made headlines with their transactions. The Yankees picked up young All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson and an excellent starting pitcher in Javier Vasquez in deals with the Tigers and Braves, respectively. The Red Sox lured John Lackey away from the Angels, signing him to a five-year deal. Last but not least, the Phillies emerged as the team to acquire the highly-coveted Roy Halladay. It seems as though all the big market, World Series contenders got the memo about starting pitching besides, pardon the dated expression, “dem bums” in La La Land.

It is well known in the baseball world that the Dodgers’ pitching is what has let them down in the playoffs. Fittingly, many baseball analysts pegged the Dodgers to be among the teams interested in striking a deal with Halladay and Lackey, the two top pitchers on the market this offseason. However, the Dodgers were silent. Instead, the front office focused on preventing arbitration hearings with their young stars. Most notably, two-year deals were reached with Andre Ethier, Jonathan Broxton, and Matt Kemp.

Agreeing to contracts with the young core of the Dodgers team was a wise decision for the franchise. However, the lack of an established No. 1 starter in the rotation is still a looming concern. Signing Vicente Padilla to a one-year deal is like patching a leaky pipe with chewing gum. Padilla is a serviceable starter, but I guarantee no Dodger fan will rest easy sending Padilla out in a crucial playoff game.

But don’t let this off-season get you down, Dodger fans. In fact, re-signing your support is probably the best acquisition the Dodgers could hope for this winter. Without a big acquisition to get the clubhouse buzzing with excitement, the Dodgers may be relying on that good ole X-factor to propel them into the playoffs once again. So put on your blue and white Mohawks, blow up your 99-cent store beach balls, and wave those rally towels like your life depends on it. In 2009, the Dodgers led the majors in extra-inning victories at 12, walk-off hits with 11, as well as boasting a 28-22 record in one-run games, good for second in the National League. Needless to say, the team has a flair for the dramatic.

On that note, let’s get ready for that first Dodger victory with some Randy Newman. C’mon and sing it with me: “I loveeeee LA…..WE LOVE IT!” See ya at the Ravine.

By Erik Wilson

The Dodgers’ Offseason In Review

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