Playing Pepper 2010: Los Angeles Dodgers

The last memories Cardinal fans have of the Dodgers aren't good.  After so often dominating the team in blue when it comes to postseason glory, St. Louis went down with little more than a whimper in the NLDS, meaning LA won its first post-season series since 1988.

Will they be able to take the next step this year?  I talked with Matt from Feeling Dodger Blue to get his take on the season to come.

FDB: The off-season was salvaged by a few decent moves to provide infield and outfield depth. Alfredo Amazega, Reed Johnson and the Ronnie Belliard/Jamey Carroll combo platter will be adequate. Pitching is still a concern that wasn't addressed well enough. I give the off-season a C+.

C70: What is the key to success for 2010?

FDB: I think the team's strength will be its bullpen again. With Troncoso, Belisario, Sherrill and Broxton, once they have a lead after the sixth inning the game will be over most times.

C70: What could be their Achilles' heel?

FDB: Matt Kemp. No doubt. He's just scratching the surface. He'll probably win another gold glove, he'll hit over .300, 30-plus bombs, drive in over 100 and steal 30-40 bases. The kid is only getting better.

C70: Will a rookie make a significant impact on the team in 2010, and if so, who?

FDB: I'll throw out two. I'm gonna say John Ely and/or Ivan DeJesus Jr. Ely was acquired in the trade with the White Sox involving Juan Pierre. He has a control pitcher who put up great numbers at Double-A last year. If he is a guy that can hit spots and get people out, he'll have a legit chance of being the fifth starter at some point. DeJesus was derailed last year by a broken leg, so he's a year removed from where he should be. With that said, the second base position is up in the air with Amazega, Blake DeWitt, Belliard and Carroll all looking for
playing time. DeJesus might be able to force the Dodgers hand by playing well at Triple-A this year, and he might end up being their best Big League option.

C70: Who will be the breakout player for the team?

FDB: Did Clayton Kershaw breakout in 2009? Only eight wins, but an ERA of 2.79, an opponents average of .200 and 9.74 K's per nine. If you don't consider that a breakout, then 2010 should see him win 15 or more games, with similar secondary numbers. Kid is legit. Other than him, I would say James Loney is due to breakout and hit 20 bombs and drive in 100.

C70: Which player will drop off the most from 2009?

FDB: Manny Ramirez. The Dodgers would eat a significant part of his salary, but an AL team might come knocking for a DH if he seems unhappy or the club is unhappy. This team's trade flexibility is non-existent. Not offering Hudson and Wolf arbitration has put a strain on the farm
system as well.

C70: What will be the team's final record and divisional standing?

FDB: The team is still good enough to win the division, so I say the finish first and go 92-70, besting the Giants by four games and the Rockies by six games.

Thanks to Matt for taking the time to talk about the Dodgers.  I'm sure a lot of Cardinal fans wouldn't mind seeing them have a good year, so as to set up a potential rematch in October.