Editorials

Dodgers 2015 Recap, 2016 Preview Yearbook

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED: CLAYTON KERSHAW

Stephen Dunn-Getty Images
Stephen Dunn-Getty Images

I think we all feel comfortable in saying that Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher on planet earth. In 8 seasons, Kershaw already has 3 Cy Young awards and an MVP season to his name. (As many as Sandy Koufax had in his entire career.) The biggest compliment to his body of work would be that last year was a bit of an “off” year for Kershaw. He finished the season 16-7 with an ERA of 2.13 which was good enough to earn him third place in the Cy Young voting.



There are some pitchers who would kill to have an “off” year like Kershaw. There is no doubt that Kershaw is the heartbeat of this ballclub. As long as he is willing and able to take the mound every fifth day, he will continue to succeed.

 

BEST BROMANCE: BRETT ANDERSON AND BRANDON MCCARTHY

 Photo by Jon SooHoo/©Los Angeles Dodgers,LLC 2015
Photo by Jon SooHoo/©Los Angeles Dodgers,LLC 2015

If I had to choose who the funniest tweeter on the Dodgers was, it would have to be a tie between Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson. The two have made fast friends since they were signed by the Dodgers last season and their chemistry makes for some pretty hilarious back-and-forth twitter battles. McCarthy is still on the mend after having season-ending surgery last year, but Anderson certainly did his part last season to spur the Dodgers on to their third consecutive NL West Championship. (Thanks perhaps to the moral support from his buddy Brandon.)

Brett has proven himself to be a reliable pitcher to anchor the rotation. I also suspect when McCarthy comes back, he will serve as a viable middle relief option if he isn’t inserted into the starting rotation right away.

 

CLASS PRESIDENT: ADRIAN GONZALEZ

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian will be entering his 14th year in the league next season, which makes him a bonafide veteran. The four-time all star has now played for four teams in the MLB and has come across just about every kind of teammate there is in the league. This makes Gonzalez and prime candidate for the role of team captain. His experience and sociability is important to the clubhouse culture. He knows how to talk to his fellow teammates and knows how to help the team around him realize their potential. His attitude and experience makes him a natural leader and his production at the plate makes him a fixture in the Dodgers lineup. These traits make ‘El Titan’ an indispensable asset to the Dodgers and a key player in pursuit of the championship.

Now that you have read our superlatives for next season, we’d like to hear yours! Comment with your superlative and which player you feel would suit that role nicely.

NEXT: Gallardo, Gordon on Dodgers’ Radar

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JD Miller

JD is a lifelong California native and currently writes for a subsidiary newspaper under the umbrella of The Madera Tribune. A passionate sports fan, JD loves the Dodgers along with the L.A. Kings, Lakers and Green Bay Packers.

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