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2016 MLB season: NL West preview

By Jason Parker

Oct 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws against the New York Mets during the second inning in game four of the NLDS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws against the New York Mets during the second inning in game four of the NLDS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) reacts following his last strike out for the complete game 2-1 victory against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) reacts following his last strike out for the complete game 2-1 victory against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers

For the past three seasons, the NL West crown has run through SoCal. To show for it, the Dodgers have won exactly one playoff series during that time. What the Yankees were in the middle part of the last decade (a heavy payroll with nothing to show for it) is what the Dodgers are today. But when you have maybe the best arm in baseball, everything isn’t all bad.

Projected lineup
SS Corey Seager
2B Howie Kendrick
1B Adrian Gonzalez
3B Justin Turner
LF Andre Ethier
RF Yasiel Puig
C Yasmani Grandal
CF Joc Pederson

On paper, having Puig batting seventh in your lineup should be because the hitters batting one through six are so amazing. It’s a nice theory, but not completely true. When healthy and in a zone, this lineup can do damage….WHEN healthy.

Projected rotation
LHP Clayton Kershaw
LHP Scott Kazmir
RHP Kenta Maeda
LHP Brett Anderson
LHP Alex Wood

When you have the man wearing number 22 at the front end, everything will be just fine for much of the season. Kershaw has been an ace with a capital “A” over the past few seasons and will be able to make up for concerns in the bullpen and the back-end of the rotation.

Projected record: 91-71

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