Obviously World Series are not won via projections. The game is played on the field not on paper or predictions. However everyone would agree that the 2020 Dodgers are not only going to be very very good, if not great they have the potential to be dominant. According to the most known betting sites, the Dodgers are one of the early season favorites to win the World Series.
I know we say this almost every season, but this year it seems more true than ever before. The Dodgers just acquired Mookie Betts and David Price from the Red Sox. That means they will field a lineup with two MVPs Cody Bellinger and Betts, a rookie of the year (Corey Seager), an all-star slugger (Max Muncy) and one of the most clutch bats in franchise history in Justin Turner. They’ll also have two consensus top prospects in Gavin Lux and catcher Will Smith. Even A.J. Pollock is no slouch when healthy.
The bench should be equally strong with the powerful Joc Pederson (thankfully not an Angel), the multi-versatile and powerful Enrique Hernandez and the clutch Matt Beaty who hits well with runners in scoring position. Let’s not forget Chris Taylor, whom the Dodgers just signed to a two-year extension. Taylor can play all over the diamond from Center Field, second base, shortstop and can bat anywhere in the lineup.
If we do that for every spot, we can see that the Dodgers are projected to have a Top 10 group at every single position.
The pitching looks to be pretty strong too. The rotation features Multiple Cy Young winners in Clayton Kershaw, and David Price. Kershaw we know, while Price is the new kid in town. Walker Buehler will round out the top three. Wonderkid Julio Urias is slated to slot into the fourth spot with the fifth spot possibly going to returnee Alex Wood, or intriguing rookie Dustin May.
The bullpen may not be the most overpowering group but newly acquired flame thrower Brusdar Graterol could step into a late inning relief role if healthy. Franchise Closer Kenley Jansen has been working hard this offseason and should be ready for a rebound year. Veteran stalwart Pedro Baez and newly minted Blake Treinen round out the back half of the bullpen.
This group is so talented that projections have the Dodgers finishing in the top third in every position across the diamond. That’s awfully impressive. Even more impressive is the club being projected to finish with 103 wins. They won 106 last year, and 104 in 2017. I think they are virtually a lock for at least 95 wins, but 103 is certainly possible. The Dodgers may not be the favorite, but they are one of the favorites this season to not only win the National League pennant (their third in four seasons) but finally win the World Series.
May is probably going to start the season in AAA. He has not pitched an inning yet since he has been having some issues. Price is throwing his bullpens, but has not appeared in a game. Taylor returns to the lineup today after missing 3 games with a bicep issue. Nelson has been shut down with back and groin issues and Joc has still not taken any turns in batting practice. Gonsolin will start today’s game with the Indians. Gore gets a start in CF, why is beyond me. The guy couldn’t hit me and my fastball tops out at about 35 now. The surprise of camp so far is outfielder Cody Thomas. He hit his second dinger of spring yesterday in a 6 run 8th inning outburst that flattened the Halos. Jansen has impressed, Kelly looked really good yesterday too, and Santana has been nails out there. Dodgers are deep. And that is probably the biggest difference between them and the other teams in the NL. They can take losing a guy like say Joc for a month and easily replace him. Some one important on another team goes down, and they are in trouble.
On The Athletic, the Giant beat reporter is speculating how they will fill their 26th spot:
Designated Burner
Lumbering Slugger
Defense First Whiz
Dreaded 3rd Catcher
I never listen to projections. Never have never will because something can always end up going wrong. Dodgers entire season went down the tubes one time when Pedro Guerrero broke his leg on a slide into 3rd.
I read them all. They are based on algorithms and we know how lovable algorithms are.
Dodgers DFA’d Yadier Alvarez today ending a 32 million dollar mistake. He signed for a 16 million dollar bonus and LA paid a 16 million dollar penalty. They won both of their split squad games today against the D-Backs and the Rockies, and now sit at 6-2 in the spring. Thomas hit 2 more homers against the Rocks, Reks, and Raley homered in their games. Lux got 2 hits, and hold the presses, Gore got 2 hits also. He stole 2 bases too. Each squad had a smattering of regulars and kids. Buehler, Stripling, Graterol, Alexander, Kelly, all pitched today and were spotless.
Alvarez must be a complete butterhead. He will resurface when the money runs out. What am I saying. It’s probably already gone.
I’d like to see Thomas and Peters later against front line pitching. My pick for Spring Forward is McKinstry. He may be the guy to allow us to trade some utility salary.
I would buy into that since McKinstry is a multi positional guy. Peters and Thomas are simply outfielders. Taylor just signed a 2 year deal, so if anyone gets traded, it might be Kike.
McKinstry and Thomas making big impressions this spring so far. Thomas, 4, McKinstry, 2 homers so far. McKinstry hitting over .400. Thomas over .300. Rios, Beaty, Ruiz, Smith, all not doing that well. Even Barnes has a homer, and only Rios has one, he hit it today, of those players named. Gonzalez pitched 2 hit less innings today and Jansen had another clean inning and another K. Baez gave up just one hit in his inning. Kolarek touched for 4 runs. The lose 8-6 to Texas. Now 6-3 this spring.
This place sure got quiet.
Has been for a couple of weeks. Even Bluto has not been here. Bellinger a late scratch with side stiffness. Did a golf thing yesterday with Trout for Pujols. Roberts said it is not related to that. Hmm…not sure I believe you Doc….
Good and bad in the box score. People just getting their work in
Great story in the Athletic on Reks. Interesting guy. I sure hope he makes it. Saying his name reminds me of an old friend, wreckingcrew, from Mark’s old board. wrecks. Wonder what he’s up to. Might have an email address for him. Good guy.