LA Dodgers 2014 Team Preview and Game Coverage as they defeat the Detroit Tigers- April 2014
Dodgers Defeat Tigers 3-2 (10 inns.)
On Tuesday night April 8th, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Carl Crawford’s walk-off double for their second consecutive win. The game was in the bottom of the tenth inning with Chone Figgins on first and the score tied 2-2. Crawford ripped a line drive to left field in front of outfielder Rajai Davis. If Davis keeps the ball In front of him, Figgins probably has to stop at second or third; however, Davis inexplicably gambled with a diving catch attempt and the ball skipped by him while the jubilant Figgins scampered home.
The Dodgers had the previous day off, which was the third in eight days for the team. All that down time has made it difficult for some players to find their every-day rhythm. However the following week the Dodgers will make up for lost time playing 29 games in a 30 game stretch. Much improved second baseman Dee Gordon led off the game with his first home run of the season, against Detroit pitcher Max Scherzer. Scherzer, last year’s American League Cy Young Award winner, was brilliant after that, giving up 1 more run in seven innings while striking out eight. Dodger pitcher Dan Haren also pitched well, allowing only three hits over six innings.
The Dodgers had the lead in the top of the ninth, 2-1, and one out away from a win. With the tying run on second base, the Dodgers chose not to walk Victor Martinez with first base open after retiring Miquel Cabrera, the game’s best hitter. Martinez proceeded to rip a single off the usually reliable Kenley Jansen that sent the game into extra innings.
Traffic for the game was heavier than usual with over 53,000 in attendance. Several traffic officers informed us that the drive to get into Dodger Stadium was the slowest in years. Inside the stadium there were few empty seats as many fans stood and watched from the upper deck concourse. It seems that the Dodgers, with over 35,000 season tickets sold, are going to more popular than ever in 2014. More at www.dodgers.com
2014 Dodger Preview
Oddsmakers have made the 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers the favorite to win the World Series, and we can see why. The team has a record $230 million dollar payroll, but it’s not just the amount spent; it appears the club has made all the right moves. This is a team that came within two games of a World Series appearance last year, so bringing back the core was essential, and the Dodgers did just that. They started by signing ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw to the largest contract ever offered to a major leaguer. They re-signed star outfielder Matt Kemp, reliever Brian Wilson, and are in contract talks with their best hitter from last year Hanley Ramirez. Dan Haren was acquired to bolster the starting pitching. The club did let veteran second baseman Mark Ellis go in hopes that shortstop Dee Gordon could learn to play second, a move criticized by some. But the Dodgers gamble here appears to be working: Gordon has played stellar defense so far and is currently in the National League top ten in batting average. And after shopping around for a third baseman, the Dodgers decided to stick with Juan Uribe, who has responded with a blistering start at the plate.
The following is our position-by-position breakdown of the club.
Starting Pitching: The Dodgers have one of major league baseball’s best and deepest rotations. Kershaw and Zack Grienke are the team’s co-aces, although Kershaw has missed his last several starts due to a back injury. Second year pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu looks even more confident and stronger than last year when he had a stellar rookie season. Haren so far looks like a great pickup, appearing in three games and pitching well. The fifth starting spot has gone to Josh Beckett, who pitched well in his only appearance so far.
Relief Pitching: On paper the Dodgers look strong here, although the relievers have pitched with so-so results. Closer Kenley Jansen already has a loss and a couple of blown saves. Brian Wilson, re-signed to pitch in the eighth inning, was shelled his first game and had to miss a few games due to injury. Beleaguered reliever Brandon League came on in the twelfth inning of a tough ballgame recently against the rival Giants and surrendered the winning run. But it’s early in the season, and we think the Dodgers bullpen will be ok. Chris Perez, Chris Withrow, and Jamey Wright have all pitched effectively so far.
Infielders: Solid Adrian Gonzalez is back at first, and has been blistering the ball. Dee Gordon has been a pleasant surprise at second, Hanley Ramirez, the team’s best hitter last year, is back at short, and sure –handed Juan Uribe is hitting well at third.
Outfielders: The Dodgers have a good kind of problem having four talented outfielders. They all have big contracts and it seems hard to keep them all healthy all at the same time. Matt Kemp, 2011 MVP runner-up, is finally healthy after missing most of last year with various injuries. Carl Crawford seems ready to get back to his all-star form, Andre Ethier has proven he can play both center and right, and Yasiel Puig will try to repeat his outstanding rookie year. It will be interesting to see if the Dodgers will stick with four starters in the outfield or trade one of them during the season.
Catching: Dependable A.J. Ellis had a solid year last season but is currently on the 15 day D.L. Light hitting Tim Federiwicz has shown capability to handle the pitching staff until Ellis returns.
Utility players: The Dodgers lost popular utility men Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker in the off season, but acquired infielders Justin Turner and Chone Figgins. Turner plays a dependable second base while ex-Angel Figgins can play multiple positions.
Manager: Don Mattingly returns. Mattingly gave the Dodgers three good season as manager and, after some delay, the team re-signed Mattingly for three more seasons starting in 2014. More at www.dodgers.com