Dodgers Realize They Reside In Los Angeles

Hey! Someone running the Dodgers has finally realized they live in Los Angeles. And, no, I'm not talking about Paul DePodesta's random throwing of large sums around in any direction (sorry PD, maybe next time be a little more reasonable), but how about Ned Colletti coming in and not only spending cash, but getting some big producers in the process. Rafael Furcal at short. Bill Mueller at third. Nomar Garciaparra at first (take that Steinbrenner!). Now Kenny Lofton in center (moving J.D. Drew to RF and Jose Cruz, Jr. to LF). Unreal. With Jeff Kent at 2B, this infield has quickly become one of the best in the league. Kenny covering center field at Chavez Ravine will certainly help out the pitcher's ERA as well. And they'll need it. With Eric Gagne back this season, it'll be a lot better for them in the ninth, for sure, but they'll need some starters to earn their jack this year in order to succeed.

Let's look at last season's numbers for the Dodger staff:

1. Derek Lowe, RHP, (12-15, 3.61 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 146/55 K/BB)
2. Brad Penny, RHP, (7-9, 3.90 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 122/41 K/BB)
3. Jeff Weaver*, RHP, (14-11, 4.22 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 157/43 K/BB)
   
4. Odalis Perez, LHP, (7-8, 4.56 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 74/28 K/BB)
5. D.J. Houlton**, RHP, (6-9, 5.16 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 90/52 K/BB)

*Jeff Weaver is a Free-Agent. He made $9.25 mil in 2005.
**Was Houlton's rookie season.

So, with a rookie at the five-slot and with Weaver, who had the staff's best 2005 performance, off to find some payola, the pitching staff of the Dodgers is in need of some attention. To say the least. With the kind of action they've shown so far, I'm sure they've got a few arms on their radar. Baseball is once again serious business in Dodgertown.

Now let's see if their gamble pays off.

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