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After I declared the Dodger season over last week, they go and make me look like a complete asshole by winning the next four games in convincing fashion. But thanks to the Giants, I didn’t look like a complete asshole.
As the Dodgers won game after game, the Giants tanked game after game against the wild card leading Padres. With each win instead of inching closer to the postseason, they were merely jogging on a treadmill of mediocrity.
I guess all that winning for nothing took a lot out of the Dodgers. Yesterday in a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, they tanked both games 3-1 and 9-8. Now they are 4 ½ games out the wild card race and look to make my seemingly premature prediction look remarkably accurate.
Exactly one year ago the Dodgers had the most remarkable comeback in recent history. Right now the only comeback in the minds of the Blue Crew are returning to the golf courses across the land.
Since this season is done, let’s take a look at next season for a little bit. It looks like Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp will be starting in the outfield next season. Juan Pierre unfortunately will still be here thanks to the brilliant move by general manager Ned Colletti of signing Pierre to a 5-year $45 million contract.
The infield looks a little more muddled. James Loney will stay at first and Rafael Furcal at shortstop. I doubt Jeff Kent will be back leaving Tony Abreu at second. As for third base, now that’s a kicker.
If the Dodgers want any chance of going anywhere next season, they will sign Alex Rodriguez to whatever he wants. He provides the power hitting the Dodgers so sorely need, and he is a good fielder. People can say Kemp and Loney are capable of providing all the power the Dodgers need, but they have yet to prove this for an entire season. They’re young and still have a lot to learn, particularly Kemp with not running through signs.
A-Rod will provide the team with a veteran presence that’s not completely over-the-hill. If A-Rod is not a Dodger next season, the Dodgers will go further towards nowhere.
AP Photo by David Zalubowski
