The 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers finished just short of a World Series bid despite injuries
to key players.
The 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers aim to go beyond 2013 and give Dodger fans something they'll
always cherish...A World Series trophy.
This is "Win or Go Home" Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training 2014.
As usual, Dodgers fans came out in full force to Camelback Ranch in Glendale Arizona in
both spirit and love for the game.
For casual fans, the sprawling complex offers plenty of sights, sounds, relaxing picnic
seating and hard to miss offerings in the concessions.
For many die hard Dodgers fans, it is a chance to get an early look at their favorite player's
progress going into the 2014 MLB season.
The team arrived earlier than normal to account for the premature start to the 2-Game opening
season series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Sydney, Australia.
Normally the team would have 30 games to prepare for opening day.
For spring 2014, they have 18 games to figure out key positional needs at second base, choose
a 5th pitcher for the starting rotation, and welcome new additions into the Dodger family
like newly signed Cuban League All Star Alexander Guerrero.
They also are expecting to keep a close eye on previous injuries from centerfielder Matt
Kemp, reliever Jose Dominguez and starter Josh Beckett.
Kemp's health in 2014 figures to be the biggest early concern for the Dodgers and their fans
as his timetable for return is not linked with the shortened spring schedule.
If healthy, the 2011 MVP runner up would add a lineup dimension unmatched in the majors
alongside perennial stars Adrian Gonzalez
and Hanley Ramirez.
The heart of the batting lineup, Gonzalez and Ramirez's veteran leadership will be vital
in leading the team through the shortened schedule.
The mantra to prepare for this season is to get into a regular rhythm physically as quick
as possible without pressing too much for success at the plate.
Spring surprise Dee Gordon though, is on a different path.
In the offseason, Dee put overtime in the weight room and in centerfield in the dominican
winter leagues to give the Dodgers an extended look at his potential coming into spring.
Entering March, Dee gained roughly 15 pounds of muscle and more time in the field giving
him and the Dodgers a better feel for what he'll bring to the regular season.
The hard work Dee put in paid off in the form of a 286 batting average, 4 triples, 802 OPS,
and 9 steals to lead the Cactus league before heading off to Sydney.
The other question mark this offseason for the Dodgers is how will right field sensation
Yasiel Puig return for his sophomore campaign.
The overwhelming fan favorite brought his familiar youthful exuberance and zest for
the dramatic to Camelback.
His goals this spring appear to be more of the same of what he brought to the team in
2013 while battling through many nagging injuries, most notably his right shoulder and back.
Much like all the other Dodgers playing through a shortened spring schedule, his health is
key to the Dodgers success in what appears to be a crowded national league west.
For Ace Clayton Kershaw, it has been business as usual after signing a reported record 7-year
$215 million deal.
Having come into Dodgers camp healthy and ready, Kershaw's steady work ethic is expecting
to lead a Dodgers staff brimming with high goals.
Meanwhile, fellow hurler Zack Greinke dealt with different issues when he cut his first
start short after 4 pitches due to a flared right calf.
Greinke's heath and subsequent hold on the second starter slot is imperative to the Dodgers
one-two punch at the top of the rotation.
Newcomer former Cy Young winner and Pepperdine standout Dan Haren is expected to solidify
the bottom half of the rotation and along with South Korean second year phenom Hyun-Jung
Ryu, the Dodgers will enter the season with one of the strongest starting staffs in baseball.
One thing is for certain at the start of the 2014 season, Dodgers fans will be bringing
their best each and every night to Chavez Ravine in support of their team.
All that is left for the players, is to match that enthusiasm out on the field and end a
26 year drought for Los Angeles...by bringing home a World Series trophy.