Clayton KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKershaw No Hits the Rockies

Clayton Kershaw tossed one of the most dominant games in Major League history. A no hitter is historic in its own respect, but to strikeout 15 batters with just over 100 pitches is unheard of. This no hitter is the second for the Dodgers this season after Josh Beckett's no-no against the Phillies in Philadelphia. I have compared Kershaw to Sandy Koufax plenty of times, and here is a side by side video of the two pitching.

Kershaw's no hitter would have probably been a perfect game if it were not for a Hanley Ramirez error in the 7th inning which allowed Cory Dickerson to reach base. Other than that base runner, Kershaw did not allow any others. Here is a video of every play of the game announced by the legendary Vin Scully.

Kershaw's stats are going back to where they usually are after a hiccup early in the season. His ERA sits at 2.52 and his WHIP sits at 0.92 with 86 strikeouts in 64.1 innings pitched. He also holds a 7-2 record. It appears he is on his way to yet another sub 3.00 ERA season, maybe even another sub 2.00 ERA season. You can expect Kershaw to compete for the All Star Game start with Cueto, Wainwright, Teheran, and Hudson.

The Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are definitely a power house not just in the National League, but in the Major Leagues. They have a star studded lineup packed with big names. They have so many big name players that they do not have enough places on the team to play them all. With a surplus of players in the outfield and now a traffic jam at second base, who knows what the Dodgers lineup may look like throughout the season.

The lineup for the Dodgers will generally look the same, but without Mark Ellis. The Dodgers did make two international signings, inking two infielders. Those infielders are Erisbel Arruebarrena and Alex Guerrero. The other infielders they have are veteran Chone Figgins and Dee Gordon. I would move Hanley Ramirez over to third base to get both Dee Gordon and one of the new signings in the lineup. Another problem is the surplus of outfielders. The Dodgers have Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, and Yasiel Puig, all all star quality outfielders. One of them would have to play the bench, platoon, or be traded Here is how I would make the lineup for the 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers.

1. L. Carl Crawford LF 108 OPS+
2. R. Yasiel Puig RF 160 OPS+
3. L. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 126 OPS+
4. R. Hanely Ramirez 3B 190 OPS+
5. R. Matt Kemp CF 105 OPS+
6. R. AJ Ellis C 93 OPS+
7. R. Alex Guerrero 2B no data available
8. L. Dee Gordon SS 75 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Dodgers is also set up with three guys who had great 2013 seasons. The best pitcher in baseball
Clayton Kershaw, then Zack Grinke, and finally Korean pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu. These three guys baffled hitters all season long and they will be in the rotation once again with new addition Dan Haren. The fifth spot will be a battle between Chad Billingsely, Paul Maholm and Josh Beckett. Here is how the rotation for the Dodgers may look in 2014.

1. L. Clayton Kershaw   194 ERA+
2. R. Zack Greinke 135 ERA+
3. L. Hyun-Jin Ryu  119 ERA+
4. R. Dan Haren  81 ERA+
5. R. Chad Billingsley  107 ERA+ in 2012

The bullpen is led by hard throwing closer Kenley Janson. In my opinion he is currently the third best closer in the Major Leagues behind Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman. The rest of the bullpen is also composed of all stars and former closers. Brian Wilson, JP Howell, Chris Perez, Brandon League, Paco Rodriguez, and whichever starter doesn't make the rotation.

Dodgers Sign Chris Perez

GO GO GADGET FASTBALL!

The Dodgers have reached an agreement with reliever/closer Chris Perez on a one year deal. Perez had one great season in 2010 with a 1.71 ERA, but has leveled out at higher ERAs ever since. In 2013 Perez posted a 4.33 ERA. With Perez the level of uncertainty is higher than ever, he may move mountains or he may be stopped by a pebble.

To speculate a little, the Dodgers have a surplus of relievers and an absence of a fifth starter, a second baseman, and a third baseman. The Dodgers' most valuable reliever is their closer Kenley Jansen, and he may be subject to trade with the acquisition of Perez. The Rays are in need of a closer, and they are looking to trade David Price. By chance the Dodgers also have a left handed hitting outfielder, Andre Ethier, something the Rays need. The Rays also have a productive second baseman/utility player, Ben Zobrist. Perhaps a mega trade can be on the horizon involving Jansen, Gorden, Ethier, Price, and Zobrist. The Dodgers seem to not have a budget, so absorbing some of Ethier's contract should not be a problem.

Dodgers Sign Dan Haren

Dan Haren has signed a 1 year $10 Million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2014 season.

How does Haren look in a Dodgers uniform? 

Haren pitched with the Washington Nationals last year and found a new career high in ERA at 4.67 in 169 innings pitched. Moving to a much bigger ballpark will probably benefit Haren because he found much success from 2005-2012 pitching for the Athletics, Diamondbacks, and Angels. In that period Haren held a 3.58 ERA with an average of 220 innings pitched per season. The Dodgers are getting a very valuable piece for their team given the depth in their rotation.

Haren is one of the players I like and have much faith in to have more successful seasons. In his contract rests a vesting option for 2015 that depends on if he pitches at least 180 innings. Haren has completed the task every year 2005-2011, so he is more likely to do so in 2014. In a bigger ballpark, in a weaker division, you can expect Haren to have a much better season in 2014.

Haren will join a rotation with Clayton Kershaw (1.83 ERA), Zack Greinke (2.63 ERA), Hyun-jin Ryu (3.00 ERA), and a 5th starter who will likely be either Josh Beckett or Chad Billingsly, both of which battled injuries in the past year.  One more starter may make the Dodgers the best rotation in baseball.  

A Bit of Logic

Both teams in LA spent a lot of money to build their teams to contend in 2013, but a third of the way through the season the two teams are below .500. Some change should be in order, and to flip their records upside down can be very easy.

There has been talk about firing both Don Mattingly as manager of the Dodgers and Mike Scioscia as manager of the Angels, but how about just swapping them? Allow me to explain.

Don Mattingly spent his entire career with the New York Yankees, an American League team that has always been associated with hitting. Don Mattingly would be able to manage an American League team better than he would a National League team just because there are fewer moves to be made in a game. Mattingly being the slugger he was in his career would be able to work more with a hitting heavy team like the Angels, although the also Dodgers have a great lineup they also have great pitching.

Mike Scioscia spent his entire career with the Dodgers and was a catcher for his entire career. Being a catcher Scioscia knows pitching and can work with the pitchers and being a lifelong Dodger, he will settle in nicely in the National League style of play. Scioscia could also swing pretty well back in his day so he will be able to manage the lineup packed with All Stars.

You really don't need a great reason for this, it just makes sense. Two guys, one who played their career in the American League and the other who played their career in the National League, but they are managing in the opposite league they played in. A change of scenery and a new leadership role may be in order for both
Scioscia and Mattingly.

I Love Livin' in Los Angeles

The Angels and the Dodgers added some big pieces last season and this off season. The two power houses have a lot to prove in 2013, lets see what will be key.

The Angels have one of the best lineups in all of the land. Super star rookie of the year Mike Trout will man center field, three time MVP Albert Pujols will man first base, and 2010 MVP Josh Hamilton will man either right field or left field for the Halos. The rest of the lineup has some pop as well, this is how I would place them along with positions.

1. S. Aybar SS      109 OPS+
2. R. Trout CF       171 OPS+
3. L. Hamilton RF  131 OPS+
4. R. Pujols 1B      141 OPS+
5. R. Trumbo DH   126 OPS+
6. R. Kendrick 2B  106 OPS
7. S. Callaspo 3B   98 OPS+
8. R. Wells LF        91 OPS+
9. R. Iannerra C      107 OPS+

The lineup is very right handed heavy. I can see the Angels trading for a left handed designated hitter and moving Trumbo to third base or left field although he isn't so great defensively. A bat like Justin Morneau would put the Angels over the top.

The Angels lost Zack Greinke and Dan Haren this off season to free agency but they still retain one of the best starting pitchers in Jered Weaver. The Angels also traded for Jason Vargas and Tommy Hanson.

R. Jered Weaver 2.81 ERA
L. CJ Wilson 3.83 ERA
R. Tommy Hanson 4.48 ERA
R. Jason Vargas 3.85 ERA
R. Joe Blanton 4.71 ERA

The rotation isn't the best but they can definitively outscore any team and with that pitching it is enough to win a sufficient amount of games. There is one starter still left in the free agent market, that is Kyle Lohse. He would be a great addition to their rotation and to sign him to a one year deal may be a difference maker in the AL West.

The Angels' bullpen also got some nice additions. Ryan Madson will pitch for the Angels either as a closer or a set up man after having Tommy John's surgery. The lefty Sean Burnett joined the Halos this off season as well, he and the other lefty, Scott Downs, will be critical in match ups in late innings. Kevin Jepsen made himself seen in 2012 by putting up good numbers, and the emergence of Ernesto Frieri was huge for the Angels. Frieri put up great numbers for the Angels in 2012.

I project 92 wins for the Angels in 2013 as the team stands now.

The Dodgers are spending money like no tomorrow. They made the huge trade with the Red Sox during the season, signed Greinke to a mega contract, and signed Korean pitching phenom Ryu to a contract as well. The Dodgers are stacked and expected to do well in 2013.

The Dodgers added the big bat of Adrian Gonzalez and speed demon Carl Crawford in 2012. They let Shane Victorino join the Red Sox, but are willing to take the risk with Crawford coming off injury. Their well balanced looks as follows:

1. L. Gordon SS     56 OPS+
2. L. Crawford LF 107 OPS+
3. R. Kemp CF      147 OPS+
4. L. Gonzalez 1B   116 OPS+
5. R. Ramirez 3B    106 OPS+
6. L. Ethier RF       123 OPS+
7. R. Ellis C            118 OPS+
8. L. Schumaker 2B 96 OPS+

The Dodgers have the best pitcher in baseball. I don't care what anyone says, Justin Verlander or Felix Hernandez. The best pitcher in baseball is undoubtedly Clayton Kershaw. Josh Beckett joined the rotation in 2012. Ryu will be joining the rotation in 2013 as well, he will fun to watch.

L. Clayton Kershaw 2.53 ERA
R. Josh Beckett 4.65 ERA
R. Chad Billingsly 3.55 ERA
L. Hyun-Jin Ryu 2.66 ERA* in Korean league
L. Ted Lilly 3.14 ERA

The Dodgers have an excess of starting pitchers. They include Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang. Both had pretty good seasons in 2012 and could provide a good return whether it be prospects, relievers, or a more reliable short stop.

Kenley Jansen impress many people in 2012 taking on the closer's role for a majority of the season. Brandon League joined the Dodgers mid season and pitched well for them in 2012. Randy Choate departed to join the Cardinals, but JP Howell will replace him as a credited left handed reliever. Javy Guerra also performed very well in 2012. The Dodgers' bullpen inst one of the best, but it better than average. It is good enough to hold a game, but is the weakest part of their team.

I project 93 wins for the Dodgers in 2013

Boston Goes Hollywood

With the completion of the colossal trade four great players on the Red Sox will head to Los Angeles to play for the Dodgers. The Dodgers will receive right handed starting pitcher Josh Beckett, left handed hitting first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, switch hitting utility player Nick Punto and the currently injured left handed speed demon Carl Crawford. The Dodgers will absorb $258M out of the total $270M.

Carl Crawford had Tommy John Surgery just this week and will not be able to play until next season. Crawford is clearly a long term replacement for the Dodgers' trade deadline acquisition Shane Victorino. Adrian Gonzalez is also a long term stay at first base. Gonzalez has multiple gold gloves and multiple All Star Game appearances. Beckett is having a down year with a 5.23 ERA, but his ERA over his career is 3.93 and in Dodger Stadium that will be much lower.

The Red Sox will get first baseman James Loney and a bundle of prospects. Those prospects are right handed pitcher Allen Webster, infielder Ivan De Jesus, OF/1B Jerry Sands and right handed pitcher Rubby De La Rosa. All are top prospects in the Dodgers organization.

Earlier in the season the Dodgers traded for Hanley Ramirez, Randy Choate, Brandon League, Shane Victorino, and Joe Blanton. They have a great combination of power and speed in their lineup and a powerful pitching rotation.

Dee Gordon is expected back soon, so lets check out the lineup followed by the players slash line (AVG/OBP/SLG)

SS - Dee Gordon - .229/.280/.282
LF - Shane Victorino - .256/.318/.389
CF - Matt Kemp - .333/.398/ .588
1B - Adrian Gonzalez - .300/.343/.469
3B - Hanley Ramirez - .261/.331/.457
RF - Andre Ethier - .284/ .352/.453
C   -  AJ Ellis - .281/.387/.426
2B - Adam Kennedy - .261/.339/.344
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The pitching rotation followed by the pitchers' ERA

L. Clayton Kershaw 2.87 ERA
R. Chad Billingsley 3.55 ERA
L. Chris Capuano 3.38 ERA
R. Joe Blanton 5.02 ERA
R. Josh Beckett 5.23 ERA

Don't forget about the bullpen anchored by closer Kenley Jansen (1.93 ERA), Elbert (2.23 ERA), and lefty specialist Randy Choate (3.86 ERA).

The Dodgers a force to be reckoned with this season and seasons to come. While the Red Sox have offically entered rebuilding.




Thanks to Mark Sulymanov for contributing the title of this article.

Brotherly Love

The City of Brotherly Love made another move yesterday. Starting pitcher Joe Blanton was traded to the Dodgers for cash or a player to be named later. The Dodgers missed on trading for Ryan Dempster, so they downgraded a bit and got Joe Blanton. Blanton hasn't been terrible in 2012, holding a 4.59 ERA over 133.1 innings pitched. The Dodgers also claimed Cliff Lee off of waivers. The Phillies will have to withdraw Lee from waivers or he and his contract will be taken by the Dodgers.

Another story about brotherly love involves two brothers in baseball. Both Justin and BJ Upton hit a home run last night. Their homers were significant because for both of them it was the 100th of their career. Justin Upton plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks and is 24 years old. BJ Upton plays for the Tampa Bay Rays and is 27 years old. What a coincidence that two bothers playing for different teams will hit their 100th home run on the same day. Congrats to both of them.

Moving On Up

Some players will get the chance to move up in baseball. Their teams were in last place, but now they have the chance to reach the playoffs.

Hanley Ramirez and Randy Choate were part of a big trade last night. The Dodgers will receive the 2 players stated in exchange for Nathan Eovaldi and Scott McGough. Hanley Ramirez is hitting .246/.322/.430 this season with 47 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Randy Choate has been sporting a 2.49 ERA over 25.1 innings pitched. The lineup for the Dodgers when everyone is healthy would look like the following: Gordon SS, Abreu LF, Kemp CF, Ethier RF, Ramirez 3B, Loney 1B, M. Ellis 2B, A. Ellis C


Wandy Rodriguez will join playoff contention with the Pirates. He was acquired by the Pirates in exchange for the following minor league players: Rudy Owens, Robbie Grossman, and Colton Cain. Rodriguez will join a rotation with James McDonald, AJ Burnett, Eric Bedard and Kevin Correia. Rodriguez has a 3.79 ERA in 21 games started this season. Over his past 5 seasons Rodriguez has a 3.45 ERA and the Pirates will take that. Their next mission is to find a bat to add to their lineup. 


Cole Hamels is moving on up in the bank as he signed a contract extension for 144 million dollars over 6 years. That is the second most expensive contract given to a pitcher ever. Only CC Sabathias contract is greater.