The Dodgers of 2013 – so far, so good

The Dodgers signing Zach Greinke shouldn’t surprise anyone as they were the frontrunners for the right-hander all along. But why stop here? The Dodgers, having all the money they obviously do, should take a chance and sign 2010 AL MVP Josh Hamilton and then trade Andre Ether. The move would give the Dodgers an outfield trio of Josh Hamilton, Matt Kemp and Carl Crawford. It would instantly be the best outfield in baseball. While this move is unlikely, GM Ned Colletti has a history of keeping to himself and then unveiling a huge move.

Colletti already has a star-studded lineup with the exceptions of a few players who play a pivotal role in the lineup. Mark Ellis had an on base percentage of .333 last season and drove in 31 runs showing some pop when he wasn’t injured. Luis Cruz has become a fan favorite and could stay at third base. In only 78 games last season, he hit almost .300 with 6 home runs and 40 RBIs.  Cruz is the perfect role player the Dodgers need to be hitting in the seventh slot of the order. Catcher A.J. Ellis he hit .270 with 13 home runs, 52 RBIs and had an on base percentage of .373 last season. Ellis consistently proved that he deserved to be the catcher for this team both with his bat and his glove.

As of right now, with more possible moves to come, the Dodgers have put themselves in a position to be considered on the short list of “title favorites”. The new ownership wants to spend money and so far have shown no relunctancy to do so.

Dodger fans should be excited for this upcoming season. They haven’t had this kind of preseason chance to make the World Series since the team last made an appearance in the fall classic (1988). So buckle up Dodger fans, this should be a great season! And to Giant fans: the NL West just got a whole lot more competitive.

Potential Dodgers Starting Rotation in 2013:

1. Clayton Kershaw (LHP)
2. Zach Greinke (RHP)
3. Ryu Hyun-jin/Beckett/Billingsley
4. Josh Beckett/Billingsley/Hyun-jinn
5. Chad Billingsley/Hyun-jin/Beckett

Starting Lineup:

1. Mark Ellis (2B)
2. Carl Crawford (LF)
3. Matt Kemp (CF)
4. Adrian Gonzalez (1B)
5. Hanley Ramirez (SS)
6. Andre Ethier (SS)
7. Luis Cruz (3B)
8. A.J. Ellis (C)
9. Pitcher

Bullpen:

Ted Lilly, could be traded or start (LHP)

Aaron Harang, could be traded (RHP)

Chris Capuano, could be traded (LHP)

Matt Guerrier (RHP)

Scott Elbert (LHP)

Javy Guerra (RHP)

Ronald Belisario (Set-up Man)

Kenley Jansen (Set-up Man)

Brandon League (Closer)

Bench:

Nick Punto (Infielder)

Dee Gordon, could be traded (SS)

Jerry Hairston Jr. (Outfielder)

Ellan Herrera (3B)