2010 Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

In 2009, the Los Angeles Dodgers finished 95-67, 1st place in NL West.

For the second consecutive year, the Phillies ended the Dodgers' season by winning the National League pennant. The series was highlighted by Jimmy Rollins' walk-off against Jonathan Broxton, one of the league's premier closers. The Dodgers may not have advanced to the World Series, but they had strong combination of offense and pitching to build a very good team.

Manny Ramirez received a 50-game suspension, leading many to think that the Dodgers' season would be in jeopardy. However, players like Matt Kemp and Andre Eithier stepped up and led the Dodgers to the postseason.

Chad Billinsgley was not the ace he was in previous years, but the Dodgers still had one of the league's top pitching staffs. At just 21 years of age, Clayton Kershaw proved that he can be a dominant Major League pitcher. In addition, the Dodgers had one of the best bullpens in all of baseball.

During the off-season, the Dodgers did not make any significant moves to improve their team. After a 95-win season, did they really need to?

The Dodgers' lineup will look exactly the same. Ramirez, Kemp, and Eithier make up a star-studded outfield, and will provide much of the offense. The Dodgers are hoping catcher Russell Martin can rebound from 2009, when he batted .250 with a .680 on-base plus slugging percentage.

At this time, the fifth spot in the rotation is undecided. Kershaw and Billingsley will be the Dodger's one-two punch. If Hiroki Kuroda remains healthy for the 2010 campaign, the Dodgers could have one of the strongest rotations in baseball.

George Sherill, a former closer, will be the set-up man for Broxton. While Sherill and Broxton are the biggest names in the 'pen, relievers like Ramon Troncoso, Ronal Belisario, and James McDonald are ones to keep an eye on.

The Dodgers have the talent to reach the postseason once again, but can they avoid the heartbreak ending?

Prediction: 93-69

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Rally in 9th Not Enough

Down by two, the Phillies rallied to tie the game in the ninth inning. However, it wasn't enough for the Phillies who lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-3.

Cole Hamels dominated in the 7 innings he pitched. He allowed 2 runs, just 1 earned. He struck out nine, walked one, and allowed 7 hits.

Chad Billigsley was just as dominating. In 7 innings, he allowed just one run on three hits and four walks.

Brad Lidge continued his struggles, surrendering an earned run in the ninth inning.

Jonathan Broxton came out to close the game for the Dodgers, but with two strikes, two outs and two on, Carlos Ruiz smoked a double to right field. Greg Dobbs scored tying the game at three.

Russell Martin and James Loney each had RBI doubles off Chad Durbin with two outs in the tenth and the Dodgers retook the lead.

The Phillies couldn't rally back in the tenth. Instead, they took the series loss to the Dodgers.

Call of the day: In 2008, the Phillies rallied in the ninth and Pedro Feliz hit a walk off double.

"Smoked down the left field line, going ALL the way down to the
corner! Here comes Jenkins, being waved around. The throw to the
plate.. he's safe at home plate! Phillies win 4-3, with a four run 9th
inning! Pedro Feliz with a big game winning double. Jenkins was
flying around third, scored the winning run. What a comeback by the
Phils. The led the majors in comeback from behind wins next year, and they
have several this year and they come back 3-0 in the ninth inning to win it
4-3. Wow."