2012 Los Angeles Dodgers Predictions
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
For all the outside drama that was surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011, you have to give manager Don Mattingly and the rest of the team credit for finishing up the year 82-79. However, the team’s financial problems have limited GM Ned Colletti in adding in the pieces to make this team a legit threat in the NL West. The Dodgers biggest offseason addition to date is veteran starter Aaron Harang. Here is a closer look at the Dodgers projected starting lineup, starting rotation, and closer situation.
Projected Lineup
A.J. Ellis (Catcher) – Ellis has shown enough in a couple of brief stints in the majors to warrant the starting catching spot this season. Ellis doesn’t do a lot that catches your eye offensively. He has just two home runs and 27 RBI in 75 games over the last two seasons, but he did hit .271 with a .392 OBP in 31 games last year.
James Loney (First Base) – The Dodgers are hoping Loney can turn the corner and become the hitter they envisioned after watching him hit .331 with 15 home runs and 67 RBI in just 96 games in 2007. Loney hit a respectable .288 last year, but finished with just 65 RBI after totaling at least 88 over the previous three seasons. He turns just 28 in May, so there is still time for him to take that next step and become a force in the middle of the lineup.
Mark Ellis (Second Base) – Ellis is one of the few additions the Dodgers made offensively, as he takes over at second base after splitting time with the A’s and Rockies last season. Ellis really struggled in 2011, hitting just .248, and it’s hard to expect a lot out of the 34-year-old at this point in his career.
Dee Gordon (Shortstop) – Gordon shined after getting called up in early June. The 23-year-old hit .304 with 34 runs and 24 stolen bases in just 56 games. He has been cemented into the leadoff role for 2012, and the Dodgers can’t wait to see what kind of numbers he puts up in a full season.
Juan Uribe (Third Base) – The Dodgers are hoping Uribe can bounce back from a miserable first season in Los Angeles. The veteran infielder hit just .204 with four home runs and 28 RBI in 77 games. Not exactly what the Dodgers had hoped for after watching him hit 24 home runs with 85 RBI in 148 games with the Giants in 2010.
Juan Rivera (Left Field) -Rivera hit .274 with five home runs and 46 RBI in 62 games with the Dodgers after coming over from the Blue Jays midseason. It was enough to persuade the Dodgers into bringing him back for the 2012 season. In 2009, Rivera hit .287 with 25 home runs and 88 RBI with the Angels.
Matt Kemp (Center Field) – Kemp exploded in 2011 with an unbelievable season. The 27-year-old hit .324 with 39 home runs, 126 RBI, and 40 stolen bases. He also was pretty good defensively, winning a Gold Glove in center field. Kemp is considered the best all-around player in the National League, and one of the favorites to win the MVP in 2012.
Andre Ethier (Right Field) – If the Dodgers are going contend in the NL West, they are going to need Either to rebound from a sub-par 2011 season. He finished with a respectable .292 average, but that was overshadowed by his huge drop in power. After hitting 54 home runs with 188 RBI in 2009 and 2010, Either hit just 11 home runs with 62 RBI last year.
Projected Rotation
Clayton Kershaw (LHP) – Kershaw won the NL Cy Young in 2011 at the age of just 23. He ended up 21-5 with a 2.28 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 33 starts. He has solidified himself as one of the games most promising young starters. He now has a 2.88 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 116 career starts. Hard to believe he turns just 24 in March.
Chad Billingsley (RHP) – Billingsley has failed to live up to the high expectations he set after going 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA in 2008. Over the last three seasons he has compiled a mediocre 35-33 record. In 2011 he went 11-11 with a career-worst 4.21 ERA. The Dodgers desperately need the 27-year-old to get back on track in 2012.
Ted Lilly (RHP) – The 36-year-old lefty can still provide a reliable arm in the middle of the rotation. Lilly went out and won 12 games last year with a 3.97 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. While his numbers are still solid, he has been on the decline over the last three seasons.
Aaron Harang (RHP) – Harang is coming off his best season in the last four years. He went 14-7 with a 3.64 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 28 starts with the Padres last year. Harang hadn’t finished with an ERA below 4.21 since going 16-6 with a 3.73 ERA in 2007.
Chris Capuano (RHP) – Capuano comes over after spending one season with the Mets. He went 11-12 with a high 4.55 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 31 starts. He should benefit from pitching most of his games in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium, but he must lower his home run total (27) to see his ERA drop in 2012.
Projected Closer
Javy Guerra (RHP) – Guerra impressed after taking over the closer role late last season. The 26-year-old converted 21 of 23 attempts with a 2.31 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Has the potential to save 35-40 games in 2012.
| 2012 Los Angeles Dodgers Odds | |
| World Series | +4000 |
| NL Pennant | +1800 |
| NL West | +550 |
| Total Regular Season Wins | O80.5 (-115) |
| U80.5 (-115) |
Over/Under Total Home Runs in the 2012 Regular Season
Matt Kemp – 33.5
Andre Either – 20.5
Over/Under Total Steals in the 2012 Regular Season
Dee Gordon – 45.5
Over/Under Total Wins in the 2012 Regular Season
Clayton Kershaw – 17
Ted Lilly – 12
Chad Billingsley – 11.5
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