[Nick Soulis]

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Overall (10156-9224 W-L, 1884 - 2011) - 6 World Championships, 22 Pennants, and 26 Playoff Appearances

Ball Park: Dodger Stadium

Manager: Tommy LaSorda

C	Roy Campanella	Mike Scioscia
1B	Gil Hodges	Eric Karros
2B	Jackie Robinson	Steve Sax
3B	Pedro Guerrero	Ron Cey
SS	Pee Wee Reese	Maury Wills
OF	Zack Wheat	Dusty Baker
OF	Duke Snider	Dixie Walker
OF	Willie Keeler	Carl Furrilo
DH	Steve Garvey
SP	Sandy Koufax
SP	Don Drysdale
SP	Orel Hershiser
SP	Don Newcombe	Fernado Valenzuela
CL	Eric Gagne

Catchers - Roy Campanella was a few MVP's awards in his past and is the complete package at catcher including a great leader and battery mate. Campy above all is a winner and will rarely make a mistake. Mike Scioscia is another very smart catcher all be it with less talent then Campy. Still Sciosia will be another coach on this team with a great work ethic.

First Base - Gil Hodges had almost a cult follwing back in his time at Brooklyn and the player carried a big bat and a pop in his swing. Hodges could surely play in any era and will be key here. Steve Garvey will also play a role here and for insurance the team is calling on Eric Karros who is a great teamate but of course isnt expected to do much.

Second base - The most courageous player in the history of the game Jackie Robinson was also one of the most exciting. Jackie is an unbelievable base runner and will likely be the catalyst at the top for this team. Steve Sax is the perfect backup and a great baserunner as well who can be used late in games. Sax is a fan favorite.

Short Stop - The class continues for the Dodgers at this position and Pee Wee Reese is the perfect hard nosed player that every team needs. Reese is a perfect teamate and simply does his job while supporting the bigger stars. Maury Wills is another speed demon waiting in the wings, Wills is among the best base stealers in history and can easily give the team a spark when needed.

Third Base - The position is up for grabs as two all stars will battle it out. Pedro Guerrero is a Lasorda favorite and when he is hot he can drive in a ton of runs. Pedro is an excellent clutch hitter. The penguin Ron Cey is no slouch at the plate with men on either and every one remembers how could Cey could be from his World Series performances. An open battle or platoon will be seen here.

Outfield - A modest group gets together in the Dodger outfield lead by the Duke. Duke Snider will be the big bat in this lineup and he has a ton of big game experiance. Zack Wheat may not be known by the causual fan but Wheat will be known quickly by the fans when they see his sweet swing and great defense. Willie Keeler and his bat is a thing of legend and one of the best average hitters of all time will be a major player in the Dodger batting order. A great arm and a power swing and Carl Furillo should be a major factor as well. On the bench is yet another great base runner in Brett Butler while Dixie Walker will be looking for at bats where he can get them.

Designated Hitter - Steve Garvey is the player expected to fill in here although he will obviously get time at first. Garvey can use the entire field and is a perfect line drive hitter for Dodger Stadium. Some rumors also have Maury Wills playing some here to get his legs into entire games.

Starting Pitching - Here is where the Dodgers seperate themselves from most teams. Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale together are a duo that everyone will be trying to avoid. Both stars in their prime were among the best we have ever seen and give the Dodgers a huge advantage. Orel Hershiser is a great arm to have on the staff as well, the bull dog was a very smart pitcher and was as good as anyone in the late 80's. The final spit in the rotation is up for debate, Fernando Mania think that the Mexican phenom is too good to sit while Don Newcombe is another very good answer here. The Dodgers have always been built on pitching and this is what will carry this team as far as it is going to go.

Closer - Eric Gagne had a time where he was unhittable with his special pitch. Gagne cant blow the close games he will be given by this strong staff, and his confidence is a key factor for the big man that will be tested.

Spring Training Battles
Fernando Valenzuela vs Don Newcombe (Rotation)
Ro Cey vs Pedro Guerrero (Third base)

Cooperstown Rating
Hitting - B-
Defense- B
Starting pitching - A
Closer - B
Prediction - 93-69

Quick Word With Tommy LaSorda
"We know its going to come down to us and the Giants. Its like good vs evil and I know everyone wants the good guys wearing blue to win."