[singlepic id=6 w=180 h=180 float=left]Â By SBRForum.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers made an interesting trade last week, bringing in Hanley Ramirez from Miami, a move likely to make them even more popular among those giving out free MLB picks. LA then picked a perfect time to get hot, and the perfect team to do it against.
San Francisco Sweep
The Dodgers went into last Friday three games behind the Giants in the NL West race, having just lost the last three games of a series vs. St. Louis. LA then beat San Fran in the opener of a three-game series at AT&T Park 5-3, getting a two-run homer from Ramirez in the top of the tenth inning for the victory.
Saturday the Dodgers exploded for 10 runs on 13 hits, four by Matt Kemp, in a 10-0 slamming.
Then Sunday LA got a gem from starter Clayton Kershaw, as he held the Giants to squat on five hits in a 4-0 victory.
In sweeping San Fran, Los Angeles made some nice cash for its financial backers, winning as +175 underdogs Friday and as -115 favorites Saturday and Sunday, for a weekend profit of $375, based on theoretical $100 wagers.
So the Dodgers begin this week tied with San Francisco for first-place in the NL West.
Now, the Snakes
LA will now experience a little role-reversal, as it begins a three-game series with Arizona as the hunted, rather than the hunter.
The defending NL West champion Diamondbacks went through some tough times earlier this season, but they’ve played themselves back into contention. Arizona just split four games with the Mets over the weekend to cap off a 7-3 homestand, and now trails the Dodgers and Giants by 4.5 games in the West.
LA will throw Aaron Harang Monday, Chris Capuano Tuesday and rookie Stephen Fife Wednesday, while the D’Backs will go with Trevor Cahill, Wade Miley and Josh Collmenter.
As of Monday morning Bovada was listing the Dodgers at -125 for Monday night’s game, with an ‘over/under’ of 7.5. Bovada is also chalking Los Angeles at -150 to win the series, with Arizona getting +120.
Finally, looking a little more long-term, Bovada is offering the Dodgers at 5/1 to win the National League pennant and 14/1 to win the World Series.
Great move on getting Hanley. Now I think it would cost less and its a better move if they go out and get soriano and dempster other than going for victorino or pence. If they get both pence and victorino, what are they going to do…. move ethier to 1st?
Pence and Victorino was never an option. Two outfielders was never an option. Dodgers are looking at an outfielder and a first baseman. Possibly two pitchers.