2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Dodgers’ starting rotation features the “Big Three” of MLB in my opinion, similar to the Lebron James-era Miami Heat. In the first slot rests the best pitcher in baseball, quite possibly the best player period in Clayton Kershaw. The 26-year old southpaw has owned and destroyed opposing lineups since becoming a constant in the league since 2009. He has led the National League in ERA for the past four seasons and has taken home the NL Cy Young three out of the past four seasons.
Zack Greinke slots in next as the powerhouse veteran and fellow slayer of National League offenses. Since coming to the NL, Greinke owns a .731 winning percentage and 3.11 ERA. In the third spot comes Korean-born star Hyun-jin Ryu, who has recorded 14 wins in each of his first two seasons and looks to continue his solid pitching ways in his third campaign.
Veteran presence will solidify a Dodgers team hoping they have found a new format that will prolong their postseason appearances, bringing in Brett Anderson who posted a 2.91 ERA in eight starts with Colorado last season. Also, Brandon McCarthy managed 200 IP spread out over parts of last season with the Diamondbacks and Yankees. Both were acquired in via free agency to bring together a well-rounded rotation that screams ‘consistency’.
Dodgers starting rotation:
- LHP Clayton Kershaw
- RHP Zack Greinke
- LHP Hyun-jin Ryu
- RHP Brandon McCarthy
- LHP Brett Anderson