The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the National League West for the past three seasons, which is a first in the franchise’s storied history. Additionally, they’ve won at least 90 games over that same stretch for the first time since 1976-78.
Los Angeles returns must of last year’s roster and despite losing Zack Greinke to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers have been selected by many to win the NL West division in 2016. What’s more, PECOTA predicted Dodgers will lead the Majors with a 94-68 record.
Granted, that was released prior to the slew of injuries to the starting rotation. While the Dodgers didn’t re-sign Greinke or sign a premier ace during the offseason, they added to their collection of prospects in a three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds.
Since Guggenheim took control of the franchise, a strong focus has been placed on rebuilding the farm system. The philosophy has often put Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman in the crosshairs of criticism from the fan base.
According to Jorge Ortiz of USA Today, Friedman said recently he understands the fans’ frustrations with the front office’s approach:
“I certainly get that. I was a fan at one point,’’ Friedman told USA TODAY Sports. “That passion is one of the things I enjoy most about what I do. It doesn’t mean it’s always positive and flowery. We have to do as good a job as we can to not let emotions dictate decisions and do something to win a headline if we don’t feel it’s in the best interests of our short-term and long-term success.’’
The Dodgers currently have one of the best farm system’s in baseball, which Friedman believes will lead to success for several years to come:
“It’s certainly the most challenging thing for a large-revenue team,’’ Friedman said, “to maintain a consistent elite level of performance year to year while creating the type of system that’s critical to give you as good a chance as possible of sustaining it over a long period of time.’’
The team’s top prospects include shortstop Corey Seager and pitchers Julio Urias and Jose De Leon, all of whom could play at the Major League level this season.
