The Los Angeles Dodgers are just a few days away from breaking camp, and heading back home to Vin Scully Avenue to open the season. As the legendary announcer would say, it’s time for Dodger baseball. It’s a new year, and another shot at the elusive National League pennant they barely lost out on last\u00a0season. LA lost to the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 NLCS, but a better team is on the table for 2017. See what’s changed in the Los Angeles Dodgers 2017 season preview.<\/p>\n
A team with a payroll topping the entire league should feature some world class talent. The Dodgers do not falter in this aspect. A roster displaying such names as\u00a0Clayton Kershaw<\/a><\/strong>, Corey Seager<\/a><\/strong>, and Yasiel Puig<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0demand respect. The Dodgers aren’t out here for respect with a lineup as deep as theirs. They seek a rematch against Chicago, and championship to follow.<\/p>\n The biggest impact addition LA managed this off-season was the trade that brought<\/a>\u00a0second baseman\u00a0Logan Forsythe<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to the Dodgers. The 29 year old middle infielder will play steady defense and strongly contribute in the lineup, hitting lefties well for the team that was the worst at doing so in 2016.<\/p>\n Forsythe is a clear upgrade over utility man Enrique Hernandez<\/a><\/strong>, who seemed to be the front runner to man second base for 2017 after the exit of Chase Utley<\/a><\/strong>. After the Dodgers managed to bring back Utley<\/a>, the move still has massive payouts by impressive depth and a choice of acceptable pinch hitters.<\/p>\n In attempts to bolster the bullpen, Sergio Romo<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0was signed recently. He’ll be a late innings option\u00a0that compliments both Pedro Baez<\/strong><\/a> and Kenley Jansen<\/a><\/strong>. Romo pitched to a 2.64 ERA last season on 40 appearances, striking out 33 and walking seven.<\/p>\n The off-season brought a few more goodbyes than hellos. Right fielder\u00a0Josh Reddick<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>parted ways with the Dodgers, and linked up with the Houston Astros.<\/a>\u00a0No need to stress, however, considering Yasiel Puig<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0tiring as he may be, is still a fine suitor even in his struggles. Andrew Toles<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is an acceptable option as well if Puig struggles further.<\/p>\n Howie Kendrick<\/a><\/strong>‘s 2016 was a\u00a0down year, and Los Angeles sent him over to the Philadelphia Phillies<\/a>\u00a0in November. Andre Ethier<\/a><\/strong> is slated to take Kendrick’s place. Working his way back from injuries, he should a fair left-handed bat\u00a0again this season.<\/p>\n There is a lot to expect of a pitcher making his debut at the impressive age of 19. Left-handed starting pitcher Julio Urias<\/strong><\/a> delivered.<\/p>\nAdding and Subtracting<\/h3>\n
Julio Urias Gets More Breathing Room<\/h3>\n