2004 Record: .574 (93-69), 1st place in NL West

Who’s Out: Milton Bradley (OF), Antonio Perez (INF), Duaner Sanchez (P), Steve Schmoll (P), Eddie Murray (P), Elmer Dessens (OF), Olmedo Saenz (1B), Jeff Weaver (P), Jose Valentin (3B), Paul Bako (C)

Who’s In: Rafael Furcal (SS), Sandy Alomar Jr. (C), Bill Mueller (3B), Andre Ethier (OF), Nomar Garciappara (INF), Kenny Lofton (OF), Jae Seo (P), Tim Hamulack (P), Danys Baez (P), Lance Carter (P), Brett Tomko (P)

Notes: What a difference a year can make! After an exciting shot at the pennant back in 2004, the Dodgers fell hard in 2005, finishing behind the likes of the D-backs and the Giants. They have done well in the off-season, though, and they certainly have a chance to make a run for their division. The addition of Nomar, Furcal and Mueller have given the Dodgers an impressive defensive infield, and the Lofton-Furcal 1-2 batting order will certainly give pitchers something to tangle with. A healthy Gange is crucial as always, but if he does stay healthy the Dodgers will have one of the best 8-9 bullpens in the league. The Dodgers also added some coaching prowess with former Dodgers Eddie Murray and Rick Honeycutt as batting and pitching coach, respectively. I’m not convinced that the Dodgers have what it takes to make it to the Series, but a division title could very well be in their future.

Next up: Cincinnati Reds

Labels: 2006 team profiles