MLB: esportfans.com's 2001 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview

Los Angeles Dodgers 2001 Preview

Key Additions: P Andy Ashby P Ramon Martinez

Key Losses: C Todd Hundley P Ismael Valdes

Projected Line-up: CF Tom Goodwin/Marquis Grissom 2B Mark Grudzielanek LF Gary Sheffield RF Shawn Green 1B Eric Karros 3B Adrian Beltre SS Alex Cora C Chad Kreuter

Rotation: Kevin Brown Chan Ho Park Darren Dreifort Andy Ashby Ramon Martinez/Eric Gagne

Bullpen: Jeff Shaw (closer) Mike Fetters Antonio Osuna Matt Herges Terry Adams

2001 Analysis

PITCHING Rotation Even at age 36, Kevin Brown should once again be in the running for the Cy Young. His two and four-seem fastball, nasty slider, curve, changeup, and occasional splitter make for a repertoire that intimidates hitters. When he’s off his game he’s a top ten pitcher. When he’s on he’s simply unhittable.

Chan Ho Park is only 27 and continues to mature. He has solid mechanics and is developing into a true workhorse. He has a change to move into the ace category of pitchers, but he’s #2 in LA with Kevin Brown around.

Darren Dreifort has the pure stuff to be a #1 or 2 starter, but has never developed a third pitch or the control needed to step up to being a top of the rotation starter. A deliberate delivery means he’s easy to steal off of.

At 33, Andy Ashby is facing a cross roads. Was 2000 a down year or the end of the road? IF he returns to he’s pre 2000 form, the Dodgers could have one of the best staffs in the NL. If he’s the Ashby of 2000, the Dodgers have a very expensive 4th starter.

Ramon Martinez is the emotional favorite to be the #5 starter. Once a 20-game winner in his own right, Ramon is now simply Pedro’s little brother. If Ramon is horrible in the spring, look for Eric Gagne to secure the #5 spot in the rotation.

Bullpen At 34 Shaw is a proven middle of the rung major league closer. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but what he has we uses well. His increase in walks in 2000 is a conceren. If Shaw doesn’t keep his walk total under control, then he will struggle more and more closing games.

POSITION PLAYERS Catchers Chad Kreuter brings the kinds of intangibles that don’t show in the box score. The ability to call a good game and get the most out of a struggling pitcher will serve the Dodgers well. He’s nothing special offensively, but overall should suffice as the Dodger’s catcher.

Infielders Eric Karros is adequate defensively and is adequate offensively. In fact adequate might be the best word to describe Karros as a first baseman. He won’t hurt, but he really doesn’t give you anything special out of first base.

Mark Grudzielanek is a failed shortstop and may soon be a failed second baseman. He never met a pitch he doesn’t like. He strikes out way to often and doesn’t walk nearly enough for someone with next to no power.

Adrian Beltre will turn 23 the first week of the season and he is a budding star for the Dodgers. If he continues to improve his power stroke, he will develop into one of the elite hitters in the NL. His defensive certainly needs work. He relies too much on his strong arm to make up for his mistakes.

At 25 Alex Cora is the Dodger you have probably never heard of. He makes the routine plays at shortstop and occasionally really flashes the leather. However Cora lacks offensively. He has good speed and needs to keep the ball on the ground to take advantage of it. Despite his speed Cora has yet to prove he wants to be a base stealer in the big leagues.

Outfielders I’m sorry Gary Sheffield, but almost $10 million dollars a year is hardly disrespect. Sheffield has requested he be paid more or be traded. Sheffield is certainly the sort of player that will let his self generated controversy have a negative impact on his performance.

Shawn Green was a budding super star in Toronto, but dropped off sharply playing in the National League for the first time. The Dodgers hope he returns to his 40 homer/ 120 RBI form of 1999.

The Dodgers managed to unload disgruntled Devon White, but they only managed to get Marquis Grissom in return. Grissom will split time with Tom Goodwin with Goodwin getting most of the time and Grissom serving as more of a 4th outfielder.

2000 Record 86-76 (10th Overall) 2000 Payroll $94.2 million (3rd Overall) Tony’s 2001 Projection 85-77 (3rd NL West - 12th Overall)

"I know who I am," says new Dodger manager Jim Tracy. "The main thing I'd like to accomplish this spring is making sure the players know who I am and what I'm about, what my and the coaching staff's expectations will be."

Perhaps someone should buy him a name tag!

The Dodgers once again have the talent to be amongst the best in baseball and will once again find a way have enough clubhouse friction and enough under-performing players to disappoint again.

Article courtesy of http://www.esportsfans.com