Dodgers News
As the 2006 Major League baseball season approaches the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be the class of the National League Western division, as they have made many major upgrades that have solved the weaknesses from last seasons squad that led to them going from 2004 NL West champs to 2005 chumps. The Dodgers also ran with a mediocre 71-91 record and finishing 11 games back of the defending division champion San Diego Padres. The Los Angeles Dodgers acquisition of SS and speedster Rafael Furcal formerly of the Atlanta Braves is a significant upgrade due to the fact Rafael Furcal of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a tremendous leadoff hitter with a .284 career batting average. Rafael Furcal has scored at least 100 runs in each of the last three seasons, and a great defensive presence to go along with being a solid defensive infielder. Nomar Garciaparra of the Los Angeles Dodgers is also an important find due to his power and run producing abilities which will certainly bolster the offense which struggled at times last year. He is a proven slugger who is capable of producing 25+ HR's and 100 RBI. Finally, perhaps the most vital signings came via trade as the Los Angeles Dodgers plucked relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays who are two former All-Stars and lessens the burden of Yhency Brazoban of Los Angeles Dodgers along with the other members of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen who had a difficult time holding late inning leads in the absence of All-Star closer Eric Gagne who is rehabbing from elbow surgery and will miss the beginning of the 2006 season. With these changes in place the Los Angeles Dodgers should win between 90-96 games this year which should be good enough for the playoffs and probably the National League West title.
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