Countdown to Opening Day: #10 Los Angeles Dodgers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#10 Los Angeles Dodgers: Magic assists in a slam dunk

PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Carl Crawford
RF Andre Ethier
CF Matt Kemp
1B Adrian Gonzalez
SS Hanley Ramirez
3B Luis Cruz
2B Mark Ellis
C A.J. Ellis
P Clayton Kershaw

PROJECTED ROTATION
Clayton Kershaw
Zack Greinke
Josh Beckett
Chad Billingsley
Hyun-Jin Ryu

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Brandon League

Set-up: Kenley Jansen

Top Prospect: Yasiel Puig (OF)

Not many teams would ever consider bringing on the payroll the Dodgers did at the All-Star break a season ago. Hanley Ramirez plus a Boston brigade of underachievers was a risky move. If it works Magic Johnson and the front office looks smart, and if it doesn't they are in a world of hurt.
They did not stop spending at the break, as this off season they bought Zack Greinke and-spent a ton to talk with Hyun Jin-Ryu. However there for still are some questions, such as the bullpen, third base, Carl Crawford, and it could go south quickly. The hope is MVP talents Matt Kemp , Adrian Gonzalez, and Hanley Ramirez will be able to hide any of their inefficiencies.
Matt Kemp still needs to stay healthy. Adrian Gonzalez will benefit from never stepping in the outfield or playing for the disfunctional Bobby Valentine. Hanley Ramirez just needs to stay motivated and maybe he will play up to his full potential.
There are a lot of ifs on this large payroll club, but there is a lot of talent and they should be in the mix for a playoff spot.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - The stars come out at night and in L.A. this lineup loaded with former all-stars gels and swells up scoreboards. The Dodgers have have dynamic offense, led by MVP candidate Matt Kemp, but the top two-starters, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke are the difference makers. They are the best team all-season and never slow up.

REAL TALK - Behind the bright lights of the big names and big contracts there are some questions marks.The difference may be the back end of the rotation. If they can get quality pitching from Josh Beckett, Chad Billingsley, and Hyun-Jin Ryu they are going to be tough to beat.

Breakout: Hanley Ramirez

Bust: Carl Crawford

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Brandon League

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 86-76 (2nd in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 86-76 (2nd in NL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Boston Red Sox**