2017/18 Off-season outlook-LA Dodgers
Nov 19, 2017 21:51:21 GMT -5
Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays like this
Post by Colorado Rockies on Nov 19, 2017 21:51:21 GMT -5
Los Angeles Dodgers:
2017 Season Review
Record-- 41-121
The Dodgers went into the draft with a clear plan--build to be a dynasty in about 4-5 years. Of their first 10 picks in the draft, only one had any significant MLB experience and only two started the season on an MLB roster. As the season went on the Dodger’s GM kept to his plan by trading most veterans on his roster for more young talent. While it was obvious the Dodgers were not planning on winning much this season it was not all for nought--they did walk away with a little money in their pocket for being voted as having the best minor leagues.
Offseason Outlook
Salary cap info:
Committed 2018--49.41 M, possibly increases to 63M depending on TO for Hardy
Remaining - 115.19 M to 101 M
Of the 49 M committed in 2018 Mark Melancon accounts for 20 percent of it--that has to bother the Dodgers GM.
Team Strengths
Youth, youth, and more youth. The Dodgers have a nice collection of young talent that showed promise last season, most notably Cody Bellinger. After taking a bit of grief for drafting him in the 4th round during the start-up draft the Dodger GM looks like he knew something many of us didn’t. In addition to Bellinger, the Dodger line-up will also include youngsters Benintendi, Rosario, and Albies
Team Weakness
Pitching--While the Dodgers have a plethora of young offensive talent at or close to the MLB level, not so much so for the pitching. While Luis Castillo looks promising after his first half season there really isn’t much after him and his minor league guys still look to be a year or two away.
Depth--Going with a youth movement from the beginning and trading away most veterans didn’t really leave any depth to fill in while waiting for the youngins.
Off-season outlook:
The Dodgers are in the weakest division and if willing to spend some of the cap space in FA could quite possibly be a surprise contender--but I don’t see that happening. The Dodger’s GM had a plan from the beginning and I expect him to stick to it. If anything, I can see him entering bidding to acquire veterans to trade for more young players. It was obvious the GM was not concerned with filling a line-up each day and is looking to several years in the future.
2018 Outlook--
More of the same as 2017 but with probably a few more wins. Unless the GM decides to add some MLB talent through FA or trades, there will still be a few holes in the line-up, particularly at starting pitching. The overall outlook is similar to the Athletics but maybe not improving quite as much as the Dodger still do not have quite enough of their young guys ready to make an impact this year.
2017 Season Review
Record-- 41-121
The Dodgers went into the draft with a clear plan--build to be a dynasty in about 4-5 years. Of their first 10 picks in the draft, only one had any significant MLB experience and only two started the season on an MLB roster. As the season went on the Dodger’s GM kept to his plan by trading most veterans on his roster for more young talent. While it was obvious the Dodgers were not planning on winning much this season it was not all for nought--they did walk away with a little money in their pocket for being voted as having the best minor leagues.
Offseason Outlook
Salary cap info:
Committed 2018--49.41 M, possibly increases to 63M depending on TO for Hardy
Remaining - 115.19 M to 101 M
Of the 49 M committed in 2018 Mark Melancon accounts for 20 percent of it--that has to bother the Dodgers GM.
Team Strengths
Youth, youth, and more youth. The Dodgers have a nice collection of young talent that showed promise last season, most notably Cody Bellinger. After taking a bit of grief for drafting him in the 4th round during the start-up draft the Dodger GM looks like he knew something many of us didn’t. In addition to Bellinger, the Dodger line-up will also include youngsters Benintendi, Rosario, and Albies
Team Weakness
Pitching--While the Dodgers have a plethora of young offensive talent at or close to the MLB level, not so much so for the pitching. While Luis Castillo looks promising after his first half season there really isn’t much after him and his minor league guys still look to be a year or two away.
Depth--Going with a youth movement from the beginning and trading away most veterans didn’t really leave any depth to fill in while waiting for the youngins.
Off-season outlook:
The Dodgers are in the weakest division and if willing to spend some of the cap space in FA could quite possibly be a surprise contender--but I don’t see that happening. The Dodger’s GM had a plan from the beginning and I expect him to stick to it. If anything, I can see him entering bidding to acquire veterans to trade for more young players. It was obvious the GM was not concerned with filling a line-up each day and is looking to several years in the future.
2018 Outlook--
More of the same as 2017 but with probably a few more wins. Unless the GM decides to add some MLB talent through FA or trades, there will still be a few holes in the line-up, particularly at starting pitching. The overall outlook is similar to the Athletics but maybe not improving quite as much as the Dodger still do not have quite enough of their young guys ready to make an impact this year.
