Ask a Dodger Fan... Off Season Edition

Growing up Giants, I've always viewed the Dodgers and their fans as a force of evil in the world, which, balanced against the forces of Orange and Black bring order and symmetry to the universe. However, since I've moved down to LA, I've met individual Dodger fans. To my surprise, many of these people have actually turned out to be some decent human beings.

In an effort to engage in more civil discourse, I'm beginning a regular feature called Ask a Dodger Fan, where I can get some fan perspective on the goings on of the Giants vis a vis their biggest rival. The off season moves are starting to wrap up and spring training is less than a month away. Perfect time to get a blue perspective on the off-season, and a look ahead to 2011. Also, you can consider this Q & A a thinly veiled attempt to find weaknesses in the Dodgers as we get ready for the upcoming season.

The first Dodger fan is good friend and former co-worker Jeanne Torres, a life-long fan born and raised in LA.

I Bleed Orange: The Dodgers have had a pretty busy off-season while the Giants have kind of stood pat. What move, if any, is the one that is going to put the Dodgers back at the top of the NL West?

Jeanne Torres: We still need that consistent big bat in the line-up. The Dodger's young core can't seem to do it on their own.

IBO: What is a need you wished that they would have addressed that they didn't?

JT: Ownership stability. Until thats locked in, players, personnel and fans don't know what to expect. After that, I think most Dodger fans would like to see a trade for a good power hitter.

IBO: Do you think the Giants winning the division was a case of them peaking at the right time while the Padres choked, or are they the strongest team in the division?

JT:I do think it was the Giants peaking at the right time, but that seems to be the story of recent WS winners. We can all look at the rosters, payroll and see whos got big names in their line-up and who doesn't, but that hasn't mattered in recent playoff years. (unless its the Yanks winning of course)

IBO: From the Dodgers' perspective, is there a target on the back of the Giants' in particular?

JT:There's always a target on the Giants. It just might be a little bigger this year.

IBO: Is Andre Ethier back to 100%? And when can we expect to see him luck into a walk-off home run a week like in '09?

JT: As far as I know, he should be at 100%. Hopefully his numbers will pick up from last year.

IBO: I name three players, and you tell me who's going to have bounce back years in 2011. First Jonathan Broxton.

JT: No, unless he starts taking PED's. Personally I think he's thrown out his arm. After seeing guys like Gagne, and Pappalpon lose their velocity, It's made me a big critic of having a young gun be your closer. After 3 or 4 seasons, their physical condition looked worked and all I see is "retirement" by their early 30's.

IBO: Casey Blake.
JT: Blake is getting older, so I only expect his numbers to stay the same.

IBO: Matt Kemp (With and without Rihanna)
JT: Kemp should have a bounce back year. Hopefully he's grown up a bit and has less distractions. I hope he can stay out of Ned's doghouse this year.

IBO: With resigning Ted Lilly and acquiring Jon Garland, the Dodgers look like they will have a very good starting rotation in 2011. How do you think it stacks up against the Giants rotation?
JT: I'm actually happy about our rotation, but the main focus is health. If the Dodger pitching staff stays healthy, we can compete with ANY team.

IBO: Do you think the Giants winning the World Series title heats up the rivalry a little bit, or does it not have any effect one way or the other?
JT:Absolutely! There will always be that Giant/Dodger rivalry, but it's more special when both teams play well and the wins mean more than just bragging rights. Neither wants the other to finish above them and a World Series championship tops its all. I'm sure us Dodger fans can't wait to beat the Giants this year. It would be great if both teams had big name super stars in their line-up, it's the only element I think our rivalry is missing.