Watch Out -- The Dodgers are Coming

A glimpse at the Giant's division rivals always begins with the Dodgers.
By Neale Fenn.

Two months ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers came to San Francisco. In the twinkle of an eye, they left town in celebration of not only a series sweep, but also an eight game lead over their arch enemies. All the plaudits went out to Jim Tracy's men, with their Bradley-energized offense and Gagne-clad pitching staff.

What a difference a month makes. By the middle of May it was clearer that the Dodgers, starting with Dave Roberts vs. Juan Pierre, were no Marlins in the making. Juan Encarnacion, sadly, is not the RBI machine the Dodgers hoped he would be. There's more wrong with Shawn Green than his back. Bradley, while clearly not lacking in ability, is an 0-20 in waiting. All in all, the front office don't think much of the lineup -- and have said so behind closed doors.

This is, after all, an offense that ranks second in the National League in Batting Average, yet second last in runs scored. The team is slugging .412, 12th in the league. Alex Cora is suddenly leading the line in the Players to Watch columns. Alex Cora?

Then there's the starting rotation that features the likes of Hideo Nomo (7.56 ERA), Jose Lima, and Jeff "ease the pressure" Weaver. As if LA fans have much to hope for. This team is chock-a-block full of holes. And when eventually Eric Gagne blows a save -- presumably some time in 2012 -- there'll be trouble brewing, even in the 'pen.

In the end, of course, these boys can play well enough to win the division. And, dare I say it, they probably will. Although there's no shortage of mediocrity in Los Angeles, there's as much room for improvement here as in either San Diego or Francisco. And if it comes down to (as it usually does) the preservation of leads, then it's a simple equation: Gagne, Hoffman or Herges.

Game Over.