Congratulations are in order for the 2009 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.  The Dodgers, winning their first World Series in 21 years, were able to fend off the Boston Red Sox in a memorable seven game epic final series.  Manny Ramirez, series MVP, drove in 3 runs and scored two more in the final game, giving youngster Clayton Kershaw the game 7 win.  Few knew if Ramirez would come off of his steroid suspension with the same HR pop but Manny was able to put doubters to rest with a total of six postseason Home Runs.  Also putting doubters to rest was Joe Torre, the manager that was run out of town by the Yankees a few years ago.  Shows what a good team can do for a manager!

For those of you that have read this post and thought you slept for the past 4 months, not to worry, the above is simply what the future holds for the Dodgers.  After watching a few months of MLB action, Los Angeles is the only team that stands out.  When healthy and when Manny returns, there is no more potent line-up in Baseball. Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre are excellent table setters, Manny Ramirez, James Loney, Russell Martin, Matt Kemp, Andre Either, Casey Blake and Orlando Hudson round out an amazing starting 9. (For inter-league play of course)

Starting pitching is pretty great for Los Angeles this year too.  Hard to find a designated leader of the staff but Chad Billingsley has been fantastic so far.  With nearly 100K’s and an ERA under 3.00, Billingsley has Cy Young written all over him.  Randy Wolf, Jeff Weaver, Hiroki Kuroda and Clayton Kershaw finish the starting five, and if and when Jason Schmidt returns, the starting pitching will be as formidable as ever.

If the Dodgers have one weakness, it would be the bullpen which lacks quality arms.  Jonathan Broxton leads the way with a 6-0 record and an under 2.50 ERA, but after that you find the names of some relatively unknown talent.  Ronald Belisario, Corey Wade and Ramon Troncoso will be crucial to LA’s success in October but if starters like Billingsley can go eight innings in each start, it may not matter.

Look for the Blue and White to finish with the League’s best record as well as an easy few series before the epic seven game showdown with the RedSox.  If you think I’m off base, (HA!) write a comment with who you think the World Series champion will be.  If you’re right, I’ll send you a $5 Best Buy Gift card, so make sure you provide a valid email! (Comments must be posted by Sept. 30th)