LOS ANGELES DODGERS (91-71), 1ST, NL WEST
uSeason snapshot: The franchise again exploited the major league economic system, which, unlike the NFL’s, has no salary cap or spending floor. For the fourth year in a row, the Dodgers led the National League in player payroll and won the NL West title. They paid more than $100 million — greater than several teams’ payrolls — to players who spent most of the season on the disabled list or were with other teams. Impressively, the team overcame an inordinate number of injuries, including a back ailment that sidelined ace
for more than two months. Los Angeles’ depth was the best in the big leagues. A large cast of relievers provided rookie manager with a broad spectrum of niche traits. Roberts dialed up favorable matchups at a high rate and pulled starters even if they were working on no-hitters.
uWhat now: The Dodgers know they’ll contend for the 2017 NL West title, which would be their seventh in 10 years. Their last World Series appearance, though, was in 1988. This month, should the favored Chicago Cubs win the World Series with an assist from closer Aroldis Chapman, would Dodgers bosses assume more risk in the World Series quest? At the winter meetings last year, the Dodgers agreed to acquire Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds. When reports of a domestic-violence incident at Chapman’s home surfaced, the Dodgers backed out. Ultimately, the Cubs got Chapman, and he’s done a spectacular job for them. uFree agent focus: Closer
is headed to free agency in November, and the rival San Francisco Giants can be counted on to show interest. Jansen, 29, is coming off his best season. Several other Dodgers are eligible for free agency: starting pitchers Rich Hill and Brett Ander
third baseman Justin Turner, second baseman Chase Utley, right fielder
and relievers Joe Blanton, and Jesse Chavez. uProspects to watch: The Aug. 1 trade for Hill, who provided great returns, cost the Dodgers none of their top three prospects as they appeared in Baseball America’s midseason top 100.
(ranked 24th) is a potential successor to first baseman who will be 35 in May and is under contract through 2018; (25th) is a rotation candidate for 2017 after getting a four-start audition this year; and outfielder
(44th) had a so-so 2016 season in Class A.
Tom Krasovic