Fantasy Forces:
CL-Eric Gagne (27)- Disgruntled and out of options as a starter, Tracy took advantage of Gagne's tenacity on the mound and made
him a closer. Gagne rewarded him with one of the best campaign's ever by a reliever. Though he has a starter's repertoire, his
value in the pen will keep him out of the rotation. He is a top closer.
RF-Shawn Green (30)- Green struggled out of the gate last year before making history with a four homerun game, eclipsing Joe
Adcock's 48 year old total base record with the first 19 base game ever. A former 30/30 hitter, his focus is driving in runs now and
he will be among the leaders in nearly every offensive category.
SP-Odalis Perez (25)- The Dodgers held out for Perez when they traded Sheffield and their patience paid off as the lanky lefty
enjoyed his best season. With impeccable command and moving repertoire, he was a bad break away from multiple no-hitters while holding
the opposition to a miniscule .262 OBP. He is a firm #2 and future Cy Young candidate.
Better Days Ahead:
SS-Cesar Izturis (23)- Izturis will likely team with Thurston up the middle and will be looking to provide any offense he can,
primarily against RHPs. A switch-hitter, he has good speed but performs far better from his natural right side, leading to speculation
he may eventually convert to strictly a right-handed hitter. Until he figures out big league pitching, his glove should keep him in
the lineup.
2B-Joe Thurston (23)- By dealing Grudzielanek, the Dodgers created an opening for the all-tool phenom. Twice Los Angeles'
Minor League POY, Thurston put up monster stats at Triple A last year and hit .462 in a short stint in the bigs. Though Alex Cora will
linger as a backup, the future is Thurston. The Dodgers have fielded nine of the past twenty-three NL ROYs and Thurston is a serious
candidate to make it ten.
Past Their Prime:
SP-Kevin Brown (38)- After over a decade of big innings, Brown has been thwarted by serious injuries each of the last three years, the
last of which was a disk problem that required surgery. Although he could be effective without a huge fastball, he used to set up his
other pitches with the heat. Slated to be the Opening Day starter, expect another injury or two this year and less than a full
season's work.
C-Todd Hundley (33)- Hundley gladly welcomes a return to Chavez Ravine after wasting the Cubs money the past two years. He has
destroyed any chance of playing regularily barring injuries in front of him and even if he does is a questionable producer and an injury
risk. His journey is almost over.
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Supporting Cast:
SP-Andy Ashby (35)- Ashby was effective his first half following elbow surgery but faded in the second as he became fatigued.
At the moment, he is battling Darren Dreifort for the fifth spot and is the favorite but even so, the health risks surrounding the other
starters will result in plenty of starts for Ashby.
3B-Adrian Beltre (23)- Beltre will be entering his fifth season despite his age and continues to reside on the cusp of stardom,
although it is coming later than the Dodgers had thought. He has .300/30/30 potential but needs to be more patient and focused on an
everyday basis.
SP-Kazuhisa Ishii (29)- With 11 wins in the first half, Ishii appeared headed for the NL Roy before suffering control problems
much of the second. Adding to the frustration, he took a horrible line-drive off his face in September that resulted in a fractured
skull and nasal cavity. He is healthy and ready to go but may be hindered by a fear factor few can overcome. If he is mentally
able, he still has control problems that have haunted him from his days in Japan.
C-Paul LoDuca (30)- LoDuca surprised the league with 25 homeruns in '01 but fell back to earth last year. The game's best
contact hitter, he struck out just 31 times in 580 ABs but walked nearly as seldom, the result of which was a less than stellar OBP.
He is a steady #2 hitter but doesn't provide major numbers in any category and will likely be overpriced.
1B-Fred McGriff (39)- The Crime Dog was looking for a place to play after the Cubs acquired Karros and will grab most of the
ABs at first. Twenty-two homeruns shy of 500, his inconspicuous career will likely remain so as he plays out his final days although
he will be a better producer than the other aging vets.
SP-Hideo Nomo (34)- Returning to his roots, Nomo was the Dodgers' second best pitcher last year after rebounding from a tough
start. Going 13-1 his last 25 starts, Nomo is a quality #3 pitcher who will likely be treated more like a #2 with the health questions
related to the other starters. He should be able to carry his momentum into the new season.
CF-Dave Roberts (30)- Roberts came out of nowhere to nearly lead the league in swipes, taking advantage of a long-awaited
opportunity to play everyday. He will provide nice steals and does seem to play better the more he plays and will once again
leadoff but is not likely to see production on par with '02 and by no means is a long-term solution to the Dodgers #1 spot.
Risky Business:
SP-Darren Dreifort (30)- By now it's obvious Dreifort will never match his hype coming out of Wichita State but he is apparently
healthy after missing the last 1½ years following elbow surgery. He will challenge for a spot in the rotation but if everyone is
healthy, Dreifort is likely the odd man out.
LF-Brian Jordan (36)- Despite consistent production when he is playing, Jordan has been paying the price for his years of playing
football and seen DL stints two of the last three years. Until he gets hurt, he will hit cleanup and be a quality 2nd tier run producer. |
