The Dodgers were a solid team in 2006 and seemed to improve going into this year. Juan Pierre will provide great help defensively in CF, as well as create a lot of runs out of the leadoff spot. Jason Schmidt is a top tier starter while the rest of their rotation is very solid. They might not have the most dominant pitching staff or lineup, but I don't see a lot of competition in the NL West either. I think the Dodgers are a solid choice to make the playoffs, but I don't see them making their way out of the NL.

The Dodgers have a solid staff and some good players on offense, such as Furcal and Garciaparra if he can remain healthy for at least a reasonable amount of time. They should be the favorite for their division. One thing they need is a genuine power hitter: they don't have anyone on that squad who is capable of hitting say 35 or more homers. The Dodgers should be considered pretty likely to make the playoffs, though I don't feel that they really have a team capable of getting to the Series. Their pitching staff is pretty deep, but they don't have a true#1 starter.

The Dodgers were the story of 2006 but got overlooked because of the Tigers.