Does Nomar Garciaparra fit into the Dodgers' plans for this season? Is there even any room for him if so?

Where They Are Coming From

An interesting pattern of the Los Angeles Dodgers one would not notice unless you researched their yearly records and divisional placement over the past six seasons. For every year that the team finishes first (2004 & 2006), there is a year were they place near the bottom of the barrel (2002, 2005, 2005) with the 2003 being the only year not represented in this pattern, where they placed second in the division, yet missed the playoffs. With a disappointing fourth place finish in 2007 with a record of 82-80, does this pattern then predict a first place finish in the 2008 season?

Players Added

The most obvious player needing mention is ex-Atlanta Braves starting centerfielder, Andruw Jones. The team agreed to a two-year deal to bring the ten time gold glove winner. This is by far the biggest off-season transaction for the Dodgers. Additionally, the time signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a three-year deal, hoping to add strength and stability to a starting rotation that had its difficulties throughout the 2007 season.

There were several players with potentially little to no impact on the all ready full roster including a minor league contract and spring training invitation for starting pitcher Chan Ho Park, and relief pitcher Mike Myers, as well as a one year contract to catcher Gary Bennett. Several players received spring training invitations; however, none have any chance of landing on the major league roster.

Players Lost

Three players were left without an offer from the Dodgers yet found homes elsewhere including two players who were offered and agreed to one-year deals with the Florida Marlins, aging outfielder Luis Gonzalez and starting pitcher Mark Hendrickson. Starting pitcher Randy Wolf also signed a one-year deal, the contract offered and agreed to with the San Diego Padres.

There were also several players that left the organization that have yet to be offered any contract, whether it is minor-league, major-league, or even a spring training invitation. The most notable being David Wells who is always a candidate for a fifth starting position on many teams in the league. Other than Wells, the only other players worth noting are Shea Hillenbrand and Mike Lieberthal. Lieberthal will not receive any offers as he announced his retirement from baseball in 2007.

Moves Still To Come

With the litany of talent flooding out of their farm system, it is highly unlikely that the team will do anything more, now that they have agreed to a one-year contract with first baseman Mark Sweeney on the 12th of this month.

The movement will come from new manager Joe Torre’s decision as to who of the young talent and veterans will stay and who will go to the minor league organizations. Beyond solidifying who is playing where, it appears that the Los Angeles Dodgers are ready to try to keep their pattern alive and win the Western Division of the National League.

What to Watch in Spring Training

All eyes will be on Joe Torre and what he does with this underachieving band of baseball players. Torre could not have joined the organization at a better time.  

There is a ton of talent in the outfield with veterans Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones and youngsters Matt Kemp, Andre Either, Delwyn Young, and Jason Repko.

There is strength in the bullpen with veterans Scott Proctor and Rudy Seanez, as well as second year closer Takashi Saito, and third year relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton, as well as Joe Beimel who is coming off of one of his best years statistically in his six seasons in the majors.

Add in the youth at the corners with incumbent third baseman Andy LaRoche trying to take away the thoughts of his back injuries and supplant himself over Nomar Garciaparra as the starter, and first baseman James Loney, who is due to have an incredible season in 2008. The middle infield positions are covered by two savvy veterans in Rafael Furcal (shortstop) and Jeff Kent (second base) with the back-up of a great young utility player in Tony Abreu.

When it comes to the starting rotation, the great news is that they have arguably the best fantasy catcher in the National League in Russell Martin; however, the starting rotation carries the biggest questions heading into the 2008 season.

Ace Brad Penny has the ability to pitch through 200 innings with as many strikeouts but has as equal a chance of getting injured as he does spending time on the disabled list. Derek Lowe, listed as the No. 2 starter, has also had his share of injuries and breakdowns throughout his career, from blistered fingers to moments of mental instability. The team expects big things out of Chad Billingsley as well as the hopes that Japanese free-agent Kuroda adds stability to their starting rotation. Lastly, the team has to hope that either Jason Schmidt or Esteban Loaiza can come back quick enough to fill the fifth starter rotation and be consistent enough to solidify the back-end of the rotation.