The Los Angeles Dodgers Looking at 2009

Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt would call 2008 a successful season. The team drew its customary 3 million plus in attendence while winning the western division and defeating the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS for its first playoff series victory since 1988. A remarkable achievement for a team beginning the season as a mess.

Unfortunately for Dodger fans, the team is still a mess. They won only 84 games in baseball's worst division and the sweep of Chicago can be attributed to the inexplicable curse of the Cubs. The publicity stunt of hiring Joe Torre backfired as all of his managerial flaws were glaring. The Dodgers desperately needed the fresh blood of a young energetic newcomer but McCourt chose the tired "star appeal" of the former Yankee skipper. Then there is general manager Ned Coletti's continuing parade of horrendous free agent signings with 2008's "prize" being Andruw Jones.

The team began the year riddled with injuries, aging unproductive players and a bloated payroll and ended in same fashion. In between, Coletti, to his credit, made rent-a-player deals for Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake, Angel Berroa and Greg Maddux at little cost which turned the season around. A collapse of the Arizona Diamondbacks certainly helped. The upside is a roster and payroll that can be trimmed of useless fat. The downside is expecting Coletti's latest blunders guaranteeing a 2009 season of mediocrity.

First Base. The Dodgers can be set here for years with left-handed James Loney (.289 13 HR 90 rbi). He is an above average fielder and improving hitter who can get hot in stretches. Loney's major drawback is lack of power and after starting three seasons, is nowhere near a Ryan Howard or Prince Fielder. Still, he is solid and could be a late bloomer like Kevin Youkilis. Backup Nomar Garciaparra is a free agent speaking of retirement and is the kind of useless baggage the team needs ridding. So a reliable backup is needed since Loney sits against lefties.