Dodgers look to take last step to World Series title
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers’ bid to win their first World Series in 29 years came up short in a Game 7 loss to Houston. They seek to take the final step to an elusive championship this season with the roster mostly intact and an eye on the future.
Certainly, Los Angeles has to be considered the favorite to win a sixth consecutive NL West title.
The Dodgers’ farm system remains deep and the team has the talent and depth to withstand injuries during a 162-game season. Their $243 million payroll www.recorderonline.com AP PHOTO BY was baseball’s biggest last year and they made a move this winter to dump salary in preparation for 2019, when the free agent market will be loaded.
Some things to watch for as the Dodgers open spring training in Glendale, Arizona:
NEW LOOK The Dodgers sent 1B Adrian Gonzalez, pitchers Scott Kazmir and Brandon Mccarthy, and utility man Charlie Culberson, along with $4.5 million, to Atlanta for OF Matt Kemp, a former Dodger who could be traded or released. The move freed up a huge amount of salary, allowing the payroll to go under the luxurytax PAGE 1B level, which would have socked the club with a 50 percent tax for going over this year. The trade also reset their tax level to 20 percent for 2019, when the free-agent market is loaded with big names. With Gonzalez gone, NL Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger goes full time at first base. Still unknown is the status of RHP Yu Darvish, a free agent who has yet to sign with a team. Veteran 2B Chase Utley, who mentored the younger players and was a strong clubhouse leader, also remains an unsigned free agent.
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