Who Can Stop the Dodgers?
The Dodgers finally got their hands on the World Series title, and all of a sudden, it feels like a dynasty is about to take over the MLB. Driven by a desire to win, the team put together the best pieces they could. Still, then it looks like success is addictive, and winning is no longer enough, so the Los Angeles-based franchise wants bigger and better, to dominate, and they are doing a fine job of piecing together a team that fits the bill. The latest acquisition of the Dodgers is Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer, who signed a 3-year contract worth $102m, after looking all but taken by the Mets. On any other team, Bauer would be a star attraction, the type that makes other stars gravitate towards the team, but in LA, he is the one gravitating towards star power, and he is one of many attractions the team can flaunt. As a Dodgers fan, this feels like the baseball version of the Showtime Lakers or the dream team, made even sweeter by the fact that Monkey Knife Fight may have you cashing in on your team without putting too much on the line with some incredible bonuses on offer.
Outside the shinny new acquisition in Trevor Bauer, the Dodgers have been one of the best teams in the league, especially in the pitching rotation. The team has a pitcher rotation that includes David Price (3.31 ERA career), Julio Urias (3.20 ERA career), Tony Gonsolin (2.60 ERA career), and now Trevor Bauer (3.90 ERA career). If you thought that was all, they have Clayton Kershaw (2.43 ERA career) for added padding, maybe? Obviously, not. The Dodgers have the best pitcher rotation in baseball, and it may even be the best-assembled in the league, ever. Dustin May and Walker Buehler are quality additions to the rotation that would be strong starting pieces in other teams. The Dodgers were 43-17 last season on their way to the World Series win, posting a league-best .717% win percentage. Kershaw was their most important player, and we are still to even take an in-depth look into their other rotations. With the addition of Bauer, and players like Cody Bellinger yet to hit their stride with the team, it is a scary thought thinking of how good the Dodgers can be. Aside from how afraid the rest of the league should be, maybe except the San Diego Padres, who are loading up just as much as the Dodgers, training for such a star-studded side.
Last season the Dodgers ended a 32-year wait for a championship, and winning it during a complicated year like 2020, with the pandemic, made it even more special. Still, the team has bigger ambitions than ending a drought, as their offseason moves prove. It will be entertaining watching the Los Angeles Dodgers this season at least on paper.
