The Giants might have won the World Series, but the Dodgers won the NL West in 2014. In 2012, Los Angeles acquired Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez, and Yasiel Puig. Now, Jimmy Rollins, Yasmani Grandal, and Howie Kendrick have been brought onboard. The names might not be as big, but the need met.
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Key additions: Jimmy Rollins, Yasmani Grandal, Howie Kendrick, Chris Heisey, Brandon McCarthy, Brett Anderson, Joel Peralta, Chris Hatcher, Juan Nicasio, and Darwin Barney
Key losses: Dan Haren, Dee Gordon, Matt Kemp, Tim Federowicz, Hanley Ramirez, Chad Billingsley, Roberto Hernandez, Brian Wilson, and Josh Beckett
Projected Lineup
While the lineup looks weaker without Hanley Ramirez, Dee Gordon, and Matt Kemp, they still have Yasiel Puig. The Wild Horse led L.A. in batting average (.296) and OBP (.382). Puig’s home run total dropped from 19 to 16, but his RBI increased by 27…After Puig, the other three hitters in the top of the order are 32-years, or older. Jimmy Rollins is 36 and still contributing. Last year, he stole 28 bases and has at least 22 swipes in the last four seasons…Carl Crawford ended 2014 with a .300 batting average. He also stole 23 bases for the first time since 2010…Adrian Gonzalez produced back-to-back 20 HR, 100 RBI seasons. However, his batting average fell to .276. It was the first time Gonzalez didn’t bat in the .290s since 2009.
Projected Rotation
Closer: Joel Peralta/Kenley Jansen
When you have the best player in the National League in your rotation, it definitely is a boost to your pitching staff. Clayton Kershaw is a phenom. His season ERA was below 2.00 for the second-straight season. Kershaw also won 21 games in only 27 starts. He’s the best pitcher in the game and deserves to be the first arm off the board in your fantasy draft, again…Kenley Jansen is set to miss 8-12 weeks after having foot surgery. Unless the Dodgers sign a current free agent to act as the team’s closer, Joel Peralta will likely earn the job. While Peralta has never tallied more than six saves in a season, his high K/9 ratio (10.5 in 2014) is a bonus to the position.
Fantasy Sleeper: Joc Pederson
In the past, there was a log-jam in the Dodger outfield. Now, there is room for the young talent to shine. We already know what Puig can do, but we have yet to see Pederson produce in the Bigs. Last season, Pederson batted .303 with 33 homers and 78 RBI in Triple-A Albuquerque.
Top Prospects
Joc Pederson, OF – (See above)
Corey Seager, SS – With HanRam in Boston, JRoll could act as a mentor to this young shortstop. In 2014, Seager hit .349 in high-A and Double-A ball. Seager also tallied 20 home runs and 97 RBI in 118 games.
ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVES
