2006 LA Dodgers Predictions & Season Preview
June 5, 2008
In our 2006 LA Dodgers predictions we take a look to see if Jeff Kent can do it all by himself? The answer is no, and sadly that is what it’s going to take for the Dodgers in 2006, barring somebody unexpected stepping up and having a standout year. In fact, I’m expecting Kent’s numbers to suffer this season as he will have added pressure to produce. Pitchers won’t have to pitch to Kent as the other Dodger sticks are yet to prove themselves. Kent isn’t a player, like Bonds or A-Rod who can single-handedly turn a team around. I don’t want to say he’s overrated but I think he’s a player who definitely benefits from having a nucleus around him and he’s yet to gain the respect of the league’s elite power hitters.
Rafael Furcal could be a good addition to the LA Dodgers as he is young, talented, and has one of the strongest arms in baseball. His defense won’t be a question at all, and I expect him to collect a gold glove in the National League at the shortstop position. But his hitting is yet to be solidified. He was never able to find his rhythm last year with Atlanta, but the Dodgers are big on this kids upside and they don’t think he’s reached his full potential. Realistically, he’ll probably always be a .270 hitter without significant power numbers, however sometimes it only takes one breakthrough season to change a players career. Look at Derek Lee for the Cubs. He put together an MVP caliber season n 2005 and he’s already on his way in 2006. If Furcal can get some confidence at the plate, he could be just what the Doctored ordered for LA.
Nomar Garciaparra’s health is already an issue in the early going, just as it has been much of the past few seasons. He never was healthy enough to get things going in Chicago, and LA is hoping that he can be a major contributor to their team. I don’t think he willl ever return to All-star form, but he could definitely help make LA much better offensively.
As you’ve probably gathered from my above critique, a lot is still up in the air for the Dodgers in 2006. I would suggest looking for spots to pick against LA this season. The most profitable situation should be picking against them when they are on the road, and especially when they are going up against right-handed pitching. In 62 games with this situation in 2005, you could have profited a respectable 13 units. I expect the Dodgers to once again struggle on the road as their starting pitching is just average and it takes a good staff, big bats, and some luck to be a consistently good road team.
The Dodgers saw a huge decline from their 2004 playoff team which totaled 93 wins as they finished the 2005 season just 71-90. I’m expecting some improvement this season, but LA will still likely still finish behind San Diego and San Francisco in the NL West.
