Most pundits and publications have the Dodgers as the favorites to get to and win the World Series in 2025. The Dodgers did not just retool this winter, they RELOADED. They got the most sought-after free agent pitcher, Roki Sasaki, re-signed their all-star outfielder, Teo, signed a lefty swinging power hitting outfielder, Conforto. They signed Blake Snell to a five-year deal, extended Tommy Edman, re-signed Kershaw, and brought back fan favorite and post-season monster, Kike Hernandez. They then signed two back of the bullpen stoppers in Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. They also signed a Korean infielder, Hyeseong Kim.
They traded Gavin Lux, and one-time top prospect, Diego Cartaya. They exercised the options on Barnes and Rojas. Not to mention bringing in about 21 non-roster players. David Bote and Eddie Rosario were the most prominent names brought in. Bote has had an excellent spring, and if Kim is sent to AAA for more seasoning, may have a legitimate shot at making the 26-man roster. He no doubt will travel with the team when they head to Tokyo next week.
The teams pitching is deep, even with several pitchers who will open the season on the IL. They will go with a 5-man rotation early due to all of the open dates, and it is pretty much a certainty that Sasaki will only pitch once a week. Ohtani might not be back until late May, or early June. Since they suspended his throwing program on February 25th, his status is up in the air. The surprise of spring has to be the bat of Bote, and the pitching of Matt Sauer, who was informed the other day that he would be making the trip to Japan.
Once again, the team will open the season overseas, this time in Japan at the Tokyo Dome. Yamamoto will get the first start against the Cubs, who will be the home team for both games. Imanaga will pitch for the Cubs. The only thing I do not care for with the games overseas is that it shortens spring training for the team. But baseball is evolving in so many ways. They return to play the freeway series with the Angels, first game at Dodger Stadium, and the next two in Anaheim.
On the 27th of March, they open the season at home against the Detroit Tigers. They will face Tarik Skubal in game one. Picking the final 26 is going to be fun. Outman and Pages still fighting for the last outfield spot. Bote could sneak in there. We do know the following pitchers will open the season on the IL. Sheehan, Graterol, Grove, Kershaw, Stone, Hurt, Kopech, Phillips, Henriquez. And possibly Gonsolin, who hurt his back.
On paper, this team has few holes, but they don’t play the game on paper. Second base and centerfield need to be addressed. Conforto will be in left, Teo in right, Muncy at third, Mookie at SS, Freddie at first, Shohei the DH almost all the time, Smith at C. You have four bench guys, Barnes, Kike, Taylor and Rojas the most likely to be there. Edman will either be in CF, or at second base.
Born June 14th, 1948, in Los Angeles California. AKA The Bear
Boston has a real problem. Devers hasn’t even played yet, and Bregman is having an outstanding spring. They say Devers will be able to play by opening day, but where? Buehler has been very good but has only pitched 5 innings this spring. He has a 2-0 record though.
I’d rather have the Red Sox’s problems than the Yankees’ problems. I’m still puzzled that the Orioles don’t try to acquire Bobby Miller or ??? to strengthen their position.
Without doing an research, I’m guessing this Dodgers club might be the heaviest favorite to repeat in the modern playoff era.
I would have to agree with that. I would love to get my hands on one of the Orioles SS prospects. They are much closer to MLB ready than Freeland. Dodgers have a bunch of pitchers who could be very tradeable in the near future. As a matter of fact, pitching is where they are the deepest. They need to get some position players into the system.
Dodgers have a deal in place with the Hakkasian Brewery Co. They make sake products. They will be sold at select concession locations at Dodger Stadium. The team also struck an earlier deal with Nikaido Shuzo Co Ltd. It is the first time in the company’s 160-year history that their product will be sold in the US. Those two deals with Japanese company’s solidify the Dodgers foothold in Japan.
Great. Just what this country needs. More booze. And available at the ballpark? Terrific idea.
I’m always stunned at how much money I see being spent on alcohol at these games. A michelada was like $22 last season, so I’m sure it’ll cost near $25 this season.
So I wonder what the actual FCI costs will be this year. Tickets, parking, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, a few chosen $22 drinks, including shots or short glasses of whatever those Japanese booze companies sell, a couple of Ashos hats (LA Ashos of course) an Ohtani jersey or two and the possible DUI tickets plus attorney fees issued on the way home…. $1500? Just a guess.
I’m certain attendance at Dodger games will once again push toward 4 million. I will watch the title run from the comfort of my living room. My cost? Whatever Sports Net LA Channel 690 costs this year.
Devers seems to have changed his tune, and now says he will do anything the Sox ask.
Apparently he will DH? If that’s true, it will certainly help that team.
Edman is fine at 2b. CF might need to be addressed at some point but give both Pages and Outman a shot there and see.
Edman, Taylor, Rojas, Kiké rotation all over the field. It should work. This team will score enough win the West again.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Edman plays 2B this season then moves to CF next year.
Not much confidence in Pages and Outman?
I’d like to see Edman at 2B on a regular basis. He did win a GG there.
For now, let Outman platoon with Kiki and/or Taylor in CF. Also, work in the Kiki/Taylor combo for an occasional 3B platoon for Muncy. This should give plenty of AB’s for Outman, Kiki, and Taylor. With Outman platooned it would, also, give them a LH bat off the bench for PH duties.
With Outman, he has to make more consistent contact in order to stay with the Dodgers. Even with his outstanding defensive play. If he hits 8th, can forget about the HR, and cut down on striking out his defense can make him a valuable piece. A defensive outfield of Teoscar, Pages, and Conforto is average at best.