As we wrap up the weekend, it’s time to talk about THE headline making team this winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Simply put, the LA went into the free agent market and delivered on a promise to acquire top end talent after sitting most of last offseason out. These pursuits culminated in the acquisition of arguably the games top player, Shohei Ohtani on a record-breaking contract. They followed up capturing their prize with the signing of top free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and re-enforced that rotation piece with the signing of James Paxton and acquisition of Tyler Glasnow from the Rays via trade. For good measure they added stud outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to an already terrific lineup. Let’s look at the keys to success for what this juggernaut of a squad.

Keys to Success

1. The Clubhouse Clicks: This may seem like a silly suggestion, particularly since I don’t expect it to be an issue for this group given their veteran leaders, but good chemistry is going to be key for this Dodger team. We have seen “super teams” fall apart because they don’t quite click as a group on and off the field (last years Padres). There are a lot of stars and personalities to try and mix here and Dave Roberts will be in the lab working to get them fit together properly. It’s something to keep an eye on if they struggle at any point.

2. A New Big Three Forms: If there is such a thing as a “weakness” on this ball club, one could be exploited on the pitching front. This mostly comes down to the fact that several of its projected members are unproven at the big-league level. While James Paxton and Clayton Kershaw are great veteran depth options, a new big three of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Bobby Miller needs to emerge for this team to be overpowering…otherwise they will need to make an addition via trade.

3. Teoscar Settles In: As if it’s possible for this team to make an “under the radar move”, the Dodgers made what is in my opinion an under the radar pickup in outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. The big righty has always been a gifted talent at the plate but doesn’t always put it all together. Perhaps this is the year where he does, surrounded by some all-time great bats. If he does, this lineup will be nearly impossible to pitch to.

The Lineup

1. Mookie Betts 2B

2. Freddie Freeman 1B

3. Shohei Ohtani DH

4. Will Smith C

5. Max Muncy 3B

6. James Outman CF

7. Teoscar Hernandez RF

8. Jason Heyward LF

9. Gavin Lux SS

The Staff

1. Yoshinobu Yamamoto

2. Tyler Glasnow

3. Bobby Miller

4. James Paxton

5. Emmett Sheehan

6. Clayton Kershaw

Closer: Evan Phillips

The Prediction

105 Wins and the NL West Title

While we could knit pick parts of this roster, on the whole this team is going to be very tough to beat in the regular season. The real test for this group will come in the fall as they have to deliver a World Series crown to the City of Angels to make this all worth it. If the pitching comes together and Dave Roberts stay out of their way in tight games, it’s hard to see how they won’t come through.

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