The Dodgers made a huge statement yesterday. Gone are the days of poor ownership and bankruptcy and the days of winning and going to the playoffs are here to stay. The Dodgers started off the year with a respectable lineup including MVP candidate Matt Kemp, RBI machine Andre Ethier, and Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw. However, yesterday the Dodgers showed that they are not ready to wait to start winning and wanted to make the push for this year. So, they found a team willing to unload huge stars and their even bigger contracts on to them. Dodgers received first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, pitcher Josh Beckett, outfielder Carl Crawford, and third baseman Nick Punto. After seeing only two pitches, the Dodgers knew they had made a huge move in the right direction when Gonzalez smacked the ball out the park for a 3 run shot. One Dodger who seems over the moon about his new teammates? Matt Kemp. “It means a lot to have Adrian here because it gives us a lot more confidence,” Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp said. “I mean, this is a guy that can drive in 100-plus runs every year and is a possible 40-home run guy. He really knows the National League well and he’s had a lot of success here, so he’s definitely going to help us tremendously.” Gonzalez moves back to the National League where he spent most of his career as a former member of the San Diego Padres. Dodgers beat the Marlins 8-2. The Dodgers also recently acquired former Marlins shortstop/third baseman Hanley Ramirez. So while Boston looks like it is ready to pack it in, another AL East team just acquired new talent to prove that they are a real threat. The Baltimore Orioles received left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders to the Orioles in exchange for right handed reliever Matt Lindstrom.
