by Bob Swanson

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The first thing I would do is take a long, hard look at the current state of the team. The Dodgers happen to play in the worst division in baseball. Each team is currently under .500 and the Dodgers are tied with the Diamondbacks for the lead in the division at 48-50. The division is extremely weak and that is a great advantage for the Dodgers current status. The division can be easily won with a decent push. I would have them push towards the playoffs this year. The division is up for grabs, let's take it.

Next I would look at the lineup of my team in the off-season. With recent terrible signings like Andurw Jones, they are in a way handcuffed with the money they can spend. Thankfully the Dodgers are in a big market, giving them tons of cash to spend away with. The first thing I would address in the off-season is the age of my position players. Jeff Kent is old, very old. I would call up rookie second basemen Etanislao Abreu. He is one of the organizations top prospects. I would at least give him a shot in spring training to earn a spot.

Besides second base, the position players are not bad. Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are solid in the outfield. Andruw Jones has been a disaster but he is only under contract for 2 years. That is enough time to find someone else or let Juan Pierre get healthy. James Loney is a stud at first base and Russell Martin is an All-Star catcher. Rafael Furcal is solid at shortstop and when he comes back healthy will be fantastic again. Blake DeWitt and Andy LaRoche can battle for third. Keeping these players would give the Dodgers a very solid, young defense that would leave the team set for years to come.

The Dodgers recently added Manny Ramirez to the outfield. He can either be the best thing to happen to your team, or a complete disaster. So far he has been their best hitter and seems to love the game again. I would do my best at the end of the season to get a short-term deal done go well you can always resign him. If things go sour like they did in Boston he isn't around for very long. If things go well then you can always resign him. Manny can provide that post season experience and veteran presence that a young team like the Dodgers need.

The pitching staff however needs work. Jason Schmidt has been another big signing disaster as he is injured. I would move him to a role like a 4th or 5th starter. When Brad Penny is healthy again he can return to ace status. With Derek Lowe as the second starter it is a very solid rotation. Hiroki

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