For the seventh year in a row, I’m asking Dodger Thoughts readers to summarize the upcoming season before it happens.
The Dodgers went xx-xx in 2012 because ______________.
(And, yes, if you need an extra x, take it.)
Here are the best predictions from 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Unfortunately, 2011’s predictions were erased during ESPN.com’s comment-system changeover.
Comments are closed.
What happens when three old friends in crisis fall into an unexpected love triangle? In The Catch, Maya, Henry and Daniel embark upon an emotional journey that forces them to confront unresolved pain, present-day traumas and powerful desires, leading them to question the very meaning of love and fulfillment. The Catch tells a tale of ordinary people seeking the extraordinary – or, if that’s asking too much, some damn peace of mind.
Thank You For Not ...
1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with
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Jasmin Perez
The dodgers went 90-72 because Kemp and Kershaw remained dominant and Ethier and Loney stepped up their game.
Larry Brock
Do ya 1 better, Dodgers go 91-71, Same as above. But, Billingsley has a repeat year of last year, going hot and cold all season. Kershaw comes in third for Cy Young, Kemp gets his MVP, Ethier bats better than .315, Uribe gets cut lose, Sellers wins 2b job and Gordon is the only member to get close to 50 steals (sorry Kemp).
Juan Rivera hits 20 HRs, Sands struggles in minors, Oeltjen and Gwynn are platoon in LF and JR plays every 4-5 games at first. Loney does decently.
Pitching staff goes #3 in NL for Quality starts, and ERA. Jansen is the closer by June and Guerra is on the DL. Capuano has health Issues and Evoldi becomes #5 starter and has 3rd most wins. Kershaw pitches a No-Hitter but walks too many this year, despite that, still wins 18 games.
They lose in 4 in the NLDS.
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 82-80 in 2012 because despite strong performances from Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw and the bullpen, the team’s depth was too shallow to compete. A big mid-season acquisition failed to light the spark the team’s new owner, Steven Cohen, hoped it would, but he promised to spend big in the off-season to make 2013 a year to remember.
Jon Weisman
Jerry Sands optioned to the minors this morning, the beat writers say.
Anonymous
Kind of a bummer, but not a real surprise
Jason Krueger
The Dodgers will be (86-76), in large part because Ethier and Loney will rebound but they will not win their division because of their starting pitching is not as deep as the hated Giants. They should be the wild card, with Dee Gordon stealing tons of bases.
Anonymous
James Loney has played 4 full seasons, after a half season in 2007 and a 1/4 season in 2006. In his 4 full season, he has performed thusly (OBP/SLG/OPS):
2008 .338/.434/.772 (103 OPS+)
2009 .357/.399/.756 (103 OPS+)
2010 .329/.395/.723 ( 98 OPS+)
2011 .339/.416/.755 (110 OPS+)
Normalized to the league, last year ended up being his best full season. So I’m not sure I understand what a Loney “rebound” would entail. He’s consistent. He does tend to finish a little better than he starts each season (104 OPS+ after the break, 97 before), but by the end of the season, he puts up “James Loney” numbers. Which would be fine if he were a shortstop.
The ONLY reason I see for optimism is that he’s still only 27 (28 in May). But with 3000+ plate appearances in the majors already, I’m pretty sure we know what kind of hitter he is.
Terry Pruett
This is EXACTLY what I’ve been trying to point out for the last year. James Loney is what he is. What you see is what you get. Anything appreciably better than last season would be a mathematical and baseball anomaly. He’s deperately, frightfully, inevitably, and…finally…below average.
Anonymous
I think part of the reason for the perpetual optimism about Loney is that he’s streaky. He can have a great month of hitting, during which not only are balls dropping, but he really seems to be squaring them up and hitting them hard. People see that, see that he CAN be a great hitter in short bursts, and believe – or at least hope – that “Good Loney” exists and can be converted into “Consistently Good Loney.” If he were to produce those .750 OPS years by stringing together 6 .750 OPS months and 24 .750 weeks, nobody would have any reason to hope for more.
“Half full” vs. “half empty” arguments are more fun that just agreeing that an 8 oz. glass currently holds 4 oz. of water.
Anonymous
So, just of of curiosity, where in the line-up does he belong?
David
I think they should bat him second. If Gordon is on base in front of him, and with Kemp hitting behind him, he’ll get a steady dose of fastballs. As a line drive/gap hitter, he’ll get a lot of chances to be productive.
Anonymous
First of all, he should platoon (109 OPS+ vs RHP, 74 OPS+ vs. LHP). Against RHP, it makes no difference when you bat him. Batting order is a myth generated by managers who want to make in-game managing seem important. If I had to have a rule, it would be to hit guys in descending order of OBP, so that the ones with the best chance of getting on base get the most chances. After that, other things equalish, alternating R-L-R-L could matter at the margin.
Anonymous
The Dodgers will finish 80-82 in part because of subpar performances in the rotation from Harang, Capuano, and Billingsley. The offense will struggle to get going. The outfield defense will also hurt the Dodgers a lot this year.
And it will ultimately all be Juan Uribe’s fault.
Scott Griffee
The Dodgers went 87-75 in 2012 (and won the Wild Card) because the starting pitching performed well, even though Nate Eovaldi had to fill in, Ethier and Loney bounced back, and Dee Gordon was hellish on the bases.
Jon Weisman
Jamey Wright is officially on Dodger roster, Blake Hawksworth to 60-day DL.
Sean Holt
91-71 kershaw recieves ace like help from bills after harang goes down and eovaldi revamps staff an kemp recieves help when ethier and loney put together monster years and dee gordon steals 80 (a man can dream cant he)
David
The Dodgers went 89-73 in 2012 because of a late season surge fueled by the trade for David Wright (and the release of Juan Uribe), and the return of Rubby De La Rosa. Andre Ethier returned to his 2009 form, and James Loney had a surprising power surge, hitting 20 homeruns to go along with 95 RBI. Kershaw and Kemp continued to shine, and the wildcard Dodgers will face the Phillies in the NLDS…
Daniel Zappala
In 2012 the Dodgers finished 84-78, out of the playoff picture, because they did not have enough power at the corner infield and outfield spots. This season marked a potential turning point with new ownership, with many opportunities for improvement. The fans are waiting to see whether the team can again become a perennial contender.
agreher
The Dodgers went 86-76 but narrowly missed out on post season because they lacked significant production from bottom half of lineup and bench.
Jason Ungar
Kemp goes 38-44 in his quest for 50-50
DanGarion
The Dodgers went 81-80 because they haven’t really changed much since last year and they got rained out in a game that didn’t matter and was never made up.
TrueMontenegro
The Dodgers went 80-82 in 2012 because, to everyone’s surprise, Colletti’s Crusaders (Hairston, MEllis, Treanor, Harang, MacDougal, Kennedy, Wright, Uribe, Rivera) were lousy.
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 85-77 in 2012 mostly due to the incredible efforts of new owner Magic Johnson who halfway through the season decided he could help the team best by inserting himself as a player/owner. He batted 4th for the Dodgers, backing up Matt Kemp. Johnson batted .298 with 12 homers and 28 RBI’s in only two months worth of action proving that Magic can happen even on a diamond.
Anonymous
Awesome love it! This one’s gotta win originality.
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 87-75 and secured for themselves a wild card spot. They ended up winning the inaugural National League one game wild card thingy, 5-2 over Miami. However, they lost in the best of 5 game wild card thingy to Cincinnati (who win the Central). Kershaw again wins over 20 games, Bills wins 16, Lilly 12, Harang and Capuano combined to win 23 games. Kemp, Either, Gordon and Loney provided the Dodgers with a reasonably well balanced offense.
Terry Pruett
The Dodgers again went 82-80 and just missed the Wild Card, because, while Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp remained steady, with only small drop-offs, and while Andre Ethier rebounded with a healthy contract year, James Loney remained James Loney, and Chad Billingsley continued his slow rotation around the big drain of baseball. The bullpen was solid, but the rotation was inconsistent apart from Kershaw. Small rebounds by Juan Uribe and Mark Ellis were helpful, but not difference makers, while Dee Gordon had a mercurial, and ultimately successful, first full season. But the lack of consistent offense after Kemp and Ethier, combined with relatively poor starting pitching, again consigned the Blue to the sidelines come October.
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 85-77 because even though Ned Colletti saddled his replacement with the weakest offensive infield since Alex Cora played all four positions simultaneously against the Mets, that Matt Kemp guy is pretty good. And Kershaw looked good batting eighth for LaRussa. Wonder what would have happened if Capuano had gotten though April?
chris nelson
86-76 Still fun to watch some of the young talent, especially folks that started to blossom last year, but ultimately not enough to amount to much.
foul tip
Belatedly following suggestions from KT, I may now be back on DT as foul tip, or 1foultip2. Getting there either way, I guess.
A bit OT, as somewhat usual. Check out the lineup card in this link, among possible other attractions.
http://sportsillustratedn.com/2012/extramustard/hotclicks/03/26/brooklyn-decker-tim-duncan-didnt-play-sunday-because-hes-old/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_bf1_a.cn3
How old does it make you feel to see Tim Duncan referred to as old?
foul tip
Except that link seems to be inoperable. One more try–
http://sportsillustratedn.com/2012/extramustard/hotclicks/03/26/brooklyn-decker-tim-duncan-didnt-play-sunday-because-hes-old/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_bf1_a.cn3
foul tip
Arrrrrggghhhh….
KT
Thanks for the props…good to see a familiar name ^_^
Terry Pruett
A couple (or three) things…
1. Jerry Sands: I am VERY curious to see what happens in Triple A for Sands this year. I’m assuming that the numbers will be good, because everybody’s numbers get a boost in Albuquerque. What I’m hoping is that he will learn to turn on pitches, and will retain his previous selectivity. I think this is the year he proves whether he’s not just another “4A” slugger.
2. Mad Men (response to Jon’s post yesterday): Brilliant…just brilliant. Generally, an ENTIRE SHOW is built around 1 or 2 major conflicts. In this show, EVERYONE has MULTIPLE major conflicts, on slow boil all the time. It’s kind of like…real life.
3. Luck (response to Jon’s post yesterday): This show really grew on me, and I was sorry to see it go. Jon, I beg to differ on Dustin Hoffman’s characterization. I thought it was a great demonstration of absolutely pent up…but controlled…rage. The show will be missed, cancelled because of justifiable concern for the safety of the horses. Paradoxically, I can’t think of another show pr movie that so gloried in the sheer beauty of the animals.
Jon Weisman
I’m no doubt in the minority on Hoffman in “Luck.”
Terry Pruett
Great minds can disagree on Dustin Hoffman…but not on James Loney. :)
Jack Dawkins
Feels like 90 win year. Team feels better, staff is solid, and divison feels weaker.
Jon Weisman
By the way, I have given up on Smash. What a trainwreck that show became.
Anonymous
Absolutely and unbelievably frightful last night. Just awful. That’s it for me too.
On the other hand, Alcatraz ended quite well. I sort of hope it comes back, but I’m not counting on it, and if it doesn’t, I’ll probably not notice too much.
Jon Weisman
RT @mlbtraderumors: Rockies Release Casey Blake http://bit.ly/Hcotqp
Anonymous
you heard it hear first Dodgers will finish the season 82-80. Matt Kemp will win MVP Ethier will be traded half way through the season for david wright and jason bay but the dodgers have to eat the majority of Bays contract. gordon leads the NL in steals. uribe will fish the year with a .265 AVG 14HR and 53 RBI’s. As for loney and Bills, well they just continue to get worse and bills is eventualy put on the trading block as is loney.
Jon Weisman
Actually, you’re the third to say 82-80 :)
Jack Dawkins
Berkowit, wild day 2 in Sri Lanka. England wilts in the heat when batting once again.
Lucas Bauer
The Dodgers will finish the season 76-86. Kemp will come down to earth a bit from last year, but still post above-average numbers, Loney will fail to maintain success from end of last year and will be traded. Ethier will come out the gate well, but will miss time because of injury during June-July and won’t be same player by end of year. Juan Uribe will be irrelevant by end of April because of injury/poor play.
Kershaw will play at an all-star level, but the rest of the starting staff will be in flux. Bills will struggle from beginning to end with a low-4 ERA, as well as Lilly. Harang will actually be the 2nd best starter on the Dodgers by mid-season. Capuno will come out well, but will eventually be shut down by August because of injuries.
Anonymous
The Dodgers were carried to a 94-68 ecord in 2012 on the backs of stellar years once again from Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw. Thet received help from bounce back years from Andre Ethier and Chad Billingsley. James Loney contributed 22 home runs and Kenley Jansen became one of the league’s top closers.
Although they were in 3rd place, 14 games back at the time, the Dodgers essensially clinched the division on August 29th when Brian Wilson’s beard became self-aware and consumed the 1st place Giants and second place Dbacks in the 9th inning of a game in San Francisco, causing the two teams to forfeit all remaining games.
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 85-77 and missed the playoffs because of stronger than expected performances from Chris Capuano and Juan Uribe, but were ultimately undone by injuries to Mark Ellis, Aaron Harang, and Ted Lily. Ethier and Kemp were awesome, James Loney cemented his status as a free agent backup 1st baseman bound for the Pirates, and Dee Gordon proved that he can play 150 games at shortstop. Unsuccessful attempts to lure Josh Hamilton to left field resigned Colletti to trade for Grady Sizemore…which did not help.
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 91-71 in 2012. Though superstars Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp experienced an expected drop off from their 2011 highs, both still ranked highly in the awards voting. The offense was sparked by MVP candidate Andre Ethier. On the mound, Nathan Eovaldi solidified his status as a legitimate big league pitcher by winning 16 games while filing in for injured starters Ted Lilly and Aaron Harang. Dee Gordon invoked memories of Maury Wills, leading the league in both steals and runs scored.
Anonymous
My beloved Dodgers will go 85-77 because
1) I am naive
2) the pain of Reggie Jackson and Jack Clark will forever be with me
3) McCourt, Uribe, and maybe one of the back three will be gone before season’s end
John Stodder
The Dodgers went 88-74 in 2012, a record that was good enough to win the mediocre NL West. Kemp repeated his great season, though he got a ton more walks, which boosted his OBP, but lowered his power numbers. Kershaw was great, but not Cy Young-level, but the rotation overall was better, as Harang and Billingsley surprised detractors and Eovaldi had a stirring debut season. Dee Gordon was the real revelation — an offensive force to complement Kemp and Ethier. What kept the Dodgers from reaching an elite level of play were the lineup’s intractable offensive holes, and the bench’s failure to lift the team in the late innings of close games. At the end of the year, Colletti lost his job, not because his stars didn’t perform, but because of the little signings like Hairston, Uribe and Mark Ellis, all of whom failed to meet even low expectations.
Anonymous
In 2012 the Dodgers finished 81-81.
More notably, in an event not widely reported nor celebrated, they finally lived up to Vinny’s ott-repeated prediction and, late in July, found a little-known way to split a three-game series.
This result would have totally messed up the final standings if it hadn’t been for the famous nineteen-inning tie against Pittsburgh in September, the one we all call “zero plus one minus one plus nothing.”
Ned Colletti was traded at the deadline. Or did I only dream that part?
What a year.
Anonymous
The Dodgers will go 89-83 and eke into the playoffs as the second wildcard. While Kershaw has a great year with a 2.78 E.R.A and 1.11 WHIP, he manages only 16 wins.
Kemp posts a .300 BA/.360 OBP/.560 SLG/ 100 RBI/35 HR/40 SB season but places second to Joey Votto in the MVP race. James Loney has a great start to the season but then regresses back to the mean to display Loney-like season averages with a 0.750 OPS. Ethier has a “rebound” season with a 0.290 AVG and 25 HRs. Kenley Jansen emerges as the Dodgers team’s top reliever once again and Dee Gordon steals a remarkable 80 bases despite his anemic 0.320 OBP.
The Dodgers, unfortunately, lose to the Atlanta Braves, in the one-game wildcard playoff by a score of 3-2 on a walk-off 2-run homerun by Freddie Freeman off of Javy Guerra.
-Coachjpark-
Anonymous
And the really crazy thing is they played 172 games in your season :)
Anonymous
Oops! 89-73 :)
KT
The Dodgers went 92-70 in 2012 because everything finally comes together when they pickup a midseason aquistition who can provide a strong bat.
Terry Pruett
I’m among the biggest Matt Kemp fans on the planet, but as others here have said, it is unrealistic to expect as fine a year this year as last. Baseball careers are not ever-inclining upward arrows. This is what scares me about this season: Let’s say Matt goes .290/.340/.520 with 30 dingers…that’s a very good year…and if that had been his year in 2011 the Dodgers would have been under .500. Other than Ethier’s expected improvement, maybe Dee Gordon, and MAYBE AJ Ellis, the Dodgers did not get better in any other area…and got appreciably worse in the starting rotation, in my view.
Anonymous
Dodgers win every single game, finishing 162-0, but bow out against the Phillies in the NLCS as Carlos Ruiz drives in the Pennant-winning run with a walk-off homer against Kenley Jansen.
foul tip
Not sure if this has been here. Dodger bidders down to 3 after voting in teleconference today.
“The current bids are all $1.4 billion to $1.6 billion and include the parking lots surrounding Dodger Stadium, which McCourt has said are not for sale. The sale price will be a record for a North American sports team.”
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/03/27/dodgers.sale.ap/index.html#ixzz1qMkb1tLR
Last line of story says a lot, none of it new. But still…
“Los Angeles finished third in the NL West at 82-79, had just three sellouts and fell short of 3 million in home attendance in a full season for the first time since 1992.”
Anonymous
The Dodgers go 91-71 in 2012 because Kemp somehow manages to win the Triple Crown, Kershaw wins the pitcher’s Triple Crown (again), and everything just clicks. The Dodgers make a nice post-season run and Colleti is hired to build the Pirates… And promptly trades Andrew McCutchin for Juan Uribe
Anonymous
The Dodgers finish 80-81, when the last game is called at the top of the 2nd because of a deluge of frogs. The Bison had managed to loft one over the leftfield wall to seemingly reach 50 dingers. With the game called, what might have been an off-season controvery becomes moot and we spend the winter dreaming of ways to waste money on elusive free agents.
Anonymous
The Dodgers finish 92-70 because despite Billingsley’s struggles, Uribe’s hitting/injury issues and the lack of production from the bench, Eovaldi came up from AAA to strengthen the rotation, De La Rosa came back earlier than expected and also strengthened the staff, Ethier has a bounce back year, Loney was at least somewhat better than past years, and with the Dodgers in contention for the wildcard(s) at the trade deadline, the new owner makes a splash with a big trade resulting in a couple extra wins down the stretch.
Anonymous
My mood now says 81 81 but by tomorrow it will be 85 77 but I am officially going with 86 76. I am down on Loney tonight but due to pulling for him since what seems like years, I will predict the Dodgers will win the 86 games because Loney drives in 100 RBI.
Anonymous
The Dodgers finished 78-84 in 2012 because they weren’t very good. Ethier had a bounce-back season before being traded to Boston at the deadline, Loney finished with 12 home runs, and Rivera couldn’t make it through May before hitting the DL.
Thankfully, Juan Uribe was released in June after criticizing the fans for booing him. Additionally, AJ Ellis and Dee Gordon combined for 3 home runs, MacDougal took over the closer role in August, and Eovaldi continued to impress as a spot starter.
Anonymous
The Dodgers finished 79-83 in 2012 because they couldn’t hit themselves out of a wet paper sack.
Anonymous
The Dodgers finished finished 87-75 due to great years from Ethier (.292/.362/.509 25 HR) and a bounce up from Loney (.305/.359/.482 18 HR 40 2B), and Billingsley (3.63/3.47/3.52 17 wins). Uribe bounced up enough to stay around for awhile, and Mark Ellis also did as well. Juan Rivera hit enough to stay relevant until the trade deadline when the Dodgers traded for a bat (Wright or Josh Hamilton pushing either Rivera or Uribe to bench). Eovaldi filled in nicely for the injuries to Capuano and Harang throughout the year and Rubby finished it off in September with 2 solid starts.
Kershaw was solid again, so was the bullpen, while Kemp’s AVG dropped but power up and goes 44/42 (.297/.367/.565). Aj Ellis was an OBP machine and also popped 6 HR and Dee Gordon surprised by OBP over .335 and stealing bases like a kid on a shopping spree at Toys R Us.Oh yeah they won the 2nd WC on the last day of the season as both Milwaukee and the Giants lose and the Dodgers win the tie breaker and beat the Nationals in WC game only to lose to St Louis in the NLDS. Mattingly wins manager of the year award.
Jon Weisman
Gurnick is reporting that the Magic group has won the Dodgers. New post coming soon.
Jon Weisman
NPUT
Anonymous
Love the prediction thread Jon always fun to do. It’s interesting too to look back and see that in like 2007 everyone was not wanting to block Andy LaRoche at 3B….
Anonymous
The 2012 Dodgers finished 83-79 because the offense struggled outside of Kemp and Ethier and the pitching regressed without Kuroda despite another fantastic season from Kershaw.
Anonymous
Hard to not feel bullish right now, so what the heck.. the Dodgers went 93-69 as the excitement of the ownership change carried throughout a season led by spark plug Dee Gordon, benefiting from career years from Loney and Ethier, and relying on a dominant bullpen.
Little Joe
The Dodgers went 90-72 as Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw kept up their production, while James Loney and Andre Ethier broke out to have great years hitting behind Kemp and the young shortstop, Dee Gordon. However, they lost quite a few games due to their lack of a rotation worth…. well, a rotation topped by Clayton Kershaw, followed by nobody much.
Anonymous
The 2012 Dodgers finished the regular season tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks at 89-73. Faced with a one-game playoff to determine the division winner, Clayton Kershaw takes a one-hitter into the ninth, but with a slim 1-0 lead, a passed ball from deadline-acquisition AJ Pierzynski results in a two-run rally for the DBacks, sending the Dodgers to a one-game playoff with the 83-79 Wild Card Braves. Despite a 4-for-5 effort from Ichiro Suzuki, the Dodgers fall to the Braves 9-4, after leading 4-0 going into the sixth inning, but a 5-run rally from the Braves off of Chad Billingsley, who averaged 5.4 innings per start during the season.
Despite the disappointment, GM John Schuerholz indicated that this off-season the team will focus its efforts on acquiring the proper talent to go for a championship in 2012. Andre Ethier, who earlier in the season received a 7-year $100M extension from Magic Johnson, expressed his disappointment, but vowed to improve upon his .342/.440/.548 campaign.
Anonymous
The Dodgers were 76-86 in 2012 because they didn’t score very many runs and Lily, Capuno and Billingsley spent significant time on the DL.
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 86-76 and missed out on the wild card to the Braves and Reds. Kemp, Kershaw and Ethier had strong years but Ethier was hampered by injuries in the second half of the season. The hole in the rotation left by the loss of Kuroda became evident in the second half as well. After a slow start,. Loney was moved at the trade deadline so the team could pursue Votto in the off-season.
Magic Johnson began licking his chops to sign either Cole Hamels or Matt Cain in the off season to bolster the pitching staff. Open up that checkbook, Magic!
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 72-90 in 2012 because of a weak rotation behind Clayton Kershaw and an unproductive lineup beyond excellent years by Kemp and Ethier. Dee Gordon broke out by hitting .288 and stealing 63 bases. There were no late-season big name additions made because of the Dodgers slow start. Clayton Kershaw netted his second Cy Young in a row with a 19-6 season, striking out 248 and ending with an ERA of 2.31. Matt Kemp won the MVP he deserved in 2011 by hitting .318, stealing 44 bases, slugging 36 home runs and driving in 128 runs.
Matthew Court
The Dodgers went 85-77 in 2012 because they had a great home record and a terrific record against a very poor NL West. The players behind this relatively decent and possibly surprising record included the obvious culprits, Kemp and Kershaw, as well as several guys that stepped up big. Capuano won 15 games while keeping his ERA under 4.00, Dee Gordon posted a .375 OBP while swiping 68 bases, and Jim Loney had a good (but not great) season, hitting just below .300 with 20 HR and 90 RBI. Defensively, the infield was stellar, finishing in the top 5 in all of baseball. Without Pujols in the NL, Loney won his first Gold Glove. Ethier mashed while he was healthy. Unfortunately, nagging injuries continued to plague him and he only played in 130 games. As for Kemp and Kershaw, their numbers took a small dip as expected – no MVP’s or Cy Young Awards this season, but both finished in the top 5 in voting due to very strong performances. Two players were exactly who we thought they were: Uribe and Billingsley. Uribe struggled through the season hitting .240 with 10 HR, and Bills finished with an ERA north of 4.00 and 11 wins. But happier days are just around the corner… new ownership is committed to winning and putting the best players on the field. This is going to be one heck of an exciting off season!
Anonymous
The Dodgers went 81-81 in 2012 because, yet again, they had a couple big stars and not much of a supporting cast. Kemp had another top 5 MVP season and Kershaw had another Cy caliber season, but there just wasn’t enough production out of anyone else. Uribe just didn’t bounce back like people hoped (and Hairston ended up with more starts than him). Rivera reminded everyone why the Blue Jays outrighted him in 2011. Sands got the call up but his mechanics issues still prevented him from womping the ball like he did in AAA. Loney was…Loney. He just couldn’t carry the 2011 momentum into 2012 and his hitting was mediocre (at best). Mark Ellis hit like Aaron Miles and Tony Gwynn Jr. hit like Tony Gwynn Jr. The bullpen held up pretty well, but a couple of guys were outrighted midseason (Mike MacDougal, Blake Hawksworth). Ethier hit himself out of the Dodgers price range and was traded midseason. Billingsley slumped for the first month or so but found his groove and ended up pretty decent overall on the season. Capuano/Harang were as mediocre as everyone expected. Eovaldi tanked and was sent back down to the minors (and it looks like he might be converted to a reliever). Rubby came back late in the season and electrified everyone. Guerra surprisingly held onto the closer role all season, but it’s pretty well acknowledged at this point that Kenley Jansen may very well be the best relief pitcher in baseball. AJ Ellis did surprisingly well with the bat and left the season with a guaranteed job in 2013. Dee proved to be one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. But hold onto your hot stove hats. Because the rumor is that the Dodgers are pushing hard to trade for Votto and have their eyes on a couple big name free agents (Brandon Phillips, BJ Upton).