[snackdaddy]

Vegas has given the Dodgers odds at 9/1 to win the World Series. That is tied for second with the Redsox. The Cubs are the favorite at 7/2.

I know many things affect a team's season. Mainly injuries. Losing key players to the DL for long stints really hurts some teams. I like the team the Dodgers have assembled. Players are interchangeable with positions. They're deep in the outfield. The starting rotation can go 8 deep.

The one thing I would like to see is another "ace" caliber pitcher in the starting rotation. Its probably too late to find one in free agency. My hope is that Urias can be that guy. I think one day he'll be that ace caliber pitcher, but I don't know if he's ready to take on that role. He's pretty young. Although the experience he gained in the playoffs last season might speed up the process. Knowing what it takes to pitch in big games.

The Logan Forsyth trade was a good one for the Dodgers. He's a hard nose player who gives 100 percent. With him they have 7 guys who should hit 20+ HR's as long as they get the at bats. They could have a couple guys go over 30. With that lineup opposing pitchers will have a hard time pitching around certain hitters.

If the infield stays intact the majority of the season they all should be 20+ HR guys. Gonzalez didn't reach that last year but he came close with a late run. Throw in Peterson and Puig and thats a lineup that should score runs. I wouldn't be surprised if Peterson and Seager go over 30 HR's. Maybe Justin Turner too.

With Kershaw, Hill and Urias, thats a pretty good trio at the top of the rotation. Maeda is a guy who can give you quality starts. If Kazmir, Ryu and McCarthy can bounce back from their injuries the rotation will be as deep as the hitting lineup.

Jansen is a top line closer. Not many better than him. I would like to see them bring back Blanton. He did a terrific job as the 7th inning guy. And with his starter experience he could be the long reliever too.

All in all this Dodger team could be better than last year's team that was two wins away from the World Series. But October is a long ways off and a lot of things can happen on the way.

[Hacksaw]

That line in encouraging. Got to stay healthy and land 1 more ace.

[snackdaddy]

Yeah, the rotation is deep. Some good 3-5 options but no second aces. They will need that if they want to be serious contenders for more than just a playoff spot.

[OldSchool]

I really wish we had a spot for Bellinger to get regular AB's with the big club. Granted he could work on shortening his swing some at AAA but damn the guy's exciting and already a very good defender at the corner OF and 1b.

[snackdaddy]

Just a few weeks before the season begins. Really liking what they've built up to now. The whole infield should hit 20 HR's or better. A couple might reach 30. The outfield is in good shape too. The lineup may not have that big run producing 40+HR/100+RBI guy, but they have 7 guys in that lineup that could hit 20+ if they play enough. Good balance throughout the lineup.

The only think that is keeping them from being considered among the top with the Cubs is the 2nd/3rd starters. They have their dominant ace. Hill is solid but not an ace. It would be nice to see Ryu bounce back. He'd be a solid #3 if he returns to form. Maeda is a nice 3 or 4 also. Good depth in that rotation but maybe another ace is needed. The one that could fit that bill is Urias. He's got the tools to be that guy but he's so young I'm not sure he's ready. We'll see how he does as the season progresses.

[HarRam]

I've been a Dodger fan all my life. They've always been known for good pitching, but for this season, you hit the nail on the head. They need that second or third ace. Hope this Urias kid is that guy, but if he doesn't fill that need, I see them either not making it out of divisional series or falling to the Cubs, again.

[snackdaddy]

Puig's off to a nice start. Seager is solid at the plate as expected. This offense could be the best one they've had in years. Quite a few guys fully capable of 20 plus HR's with a couple who could hit 30.

But again, they need that second ace. When you look at the Cubs you think of that lineup but they have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Dodgers have that dominant ace but still need a number two guy. Hill has his moments but I don't think he's an ace like Greinke was. Hopefully Urias can be that guy but its not looking good for this year. He's back in the minors.

[snackdaddy]

First series of the season with the rival Giants. No surprise, Kershaw pitched a gem last night. Not much scoring for either team the first two games. We get our first look at Urias tomorrow. I think he's going to be a good one. Just maybe not this season. Kid's still young. Got some learning to do. But I'm glad they're bringing him up. The sooner he starts learning the sooner he'll be an ace.

[Hacksaw_64]

First series of the season with the rival Giants. No surprise, Kershaw pitched a gem last night. Not much scoring for either team the first two games. We get our first look at Urias tomorrow. I think he's going to be a good one. Just maybe not this season. Kid's still young. Got some learning to do. But I'm glad they're bringing him up. The sooner he starts learning the sooner he'll be an ace.

Urias inexperience almost cost them with that ill-advised pickoff move. Otherwise, he looked great in his first start.

I'm really troubled over both Hatcher and Romo in the pen. Seriously how long does it take to figure out that Hatcher isn't any good? Romo just doesn't have anything left from what I see. Maybe he can get by with savvy and guile but I would pull the plug. Should have kept Blanton!

[snackdaddy]

Urias inexperience almost cost them with that ill-advised pickoff move. Otherwise, he looked great in his first start.

I'm really troubled over both Hatcher and Romo in the pen. Seriously how long does it take to figure out that Hatcher isn't any good? Romo just doesn't have anything left from what I see. Maybe he can get by with savvy and guile but I would pull the plug. Should have kept Blanton!

I agree. Blanton was solid out of the bullpen. And he could go for more than an inning being a former starter. Romo doesn't have the same bite on his slider as he used to have. I don't see him contributing.