Originally Posted by
ReadytoplayCF
In the end, I still think the Dodgers are going to be beatable. They have created a monster with their trade and FA signings. I know their plan is to rebuild their system and use this spending as a bridge, but they will still have to feed the bear (fans) each off-season. And, my belief, in the post-anabolic era, defense, obp+, and young SPs, will win. It's hard to feed the bear with anything less than aging HR, RBI guys and aging SPs. And the new drafting system will lessen their chances to buy a strong farm system.
How is Kershaw's hip? How is Billingsly's elbow? How is Greinke's psyche? How will they react to the intense pressure of being the new Evil Empire? How good is their 'pen? Brandon League?
Now, to be sure, I would trade our ifs for theirs in a heartbeat. And most of what I say is based on my own optimistic outlook for our competition. But I do think they have some major issues to overcome.
I was refrencing my hope for their longterm situation, based on my hope that I may be right about what has happened recently to the big market clubs versus smaller market teams.
However, I do think the Dodgers are only going to be great in 2013 if Kershaw is healthy and Greinke can handle the intense pressure. And if Kemp is healthy and they don't face too many leftys in the post-season, if they make it that far. And if they all can deal with the incredible expectations. Mattingly has already said it was very unfair to the players to expect too much just because of the spending spree. A lot of ifs too, but their ifs are for the championship; our ifs are just to contend...