After the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a blockbuster trade that included top notch first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, and pitcher Josh Beckett, the Dodgers have still struggled in many areas including the bullpen. In a game against the Colorado Rockies, the bullpen gave up seven unearned runs which was absolutely pathetic.

With Chad Billingsley now being shut down for the year, and sound closer Kenley Jansen on verge of also being shut down due to a heart condition, the Dodgers are in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs this year. With the moves made on the hitting side, are the Dodgers just an arm away from capturing that World Series title? A title hasn’t been seen in Los Angeles since 1988.
My answer would be yes, and the type of arm they need would be Cliff Lee from the Phillies, remember they claimed Lee off of waivers a month ago but were unable to close the deal. Another name that could surface could be Felix Hernandez, he has two years remaining on his deal, and highly doubt he’ll resign long term with the Seattle Mariners.

With new ownership in place for the Dodgers, this group is committed to winning and the only owners I’d trust to pull off a move of this magnitude in the off-season for one of these stellar pitchers.

As I’ve stated before this team has to gel, and its going to take time for all of them to get on the same page. Next season will definitely be much better, a healthy Matt Kemp, Andre Either, Adrian Gonzalez, hopefully a healthy Carl Crawford whom I think is still a bum until he proves otherwise. Along with solid pitching staff, can you imagine having Clayton Kershaw, healthy Chad Billingsley, Chris Capuano, and either Felix Hernandez or Cliff Lee in that rotation, wow.

Can you see a parade around Dodger Stadium in 2013, along with Dodger blue fans lining the streets of downtown Los Angeles? I sure can, and see the proper steps to making this city a Dodger town again. Well at least be a respectable team in Los Angeles with the Lakers, Kings and Galaxy.

Here’s a hint for Billingsley, go to Germany and see the same doctor that Kobe Bryant, Grant Hill and other saw for their injuries if you want to have a spectacular season in 2013.

The Red Sox would receive Rubby De La Rosa who happens to be the main piece of the deal, would go to Boston along with first baseman James Loney, and prospect pitcher Allen Webster, Ivan De Jesus, and Jerry Sands. The Dodgers have until Sunday at 1:30 PM EST/ 10:30 AM EST to get this expensive deal complete.

Adrian Gonzalez has 6 years with $127 million left after this year, Carl Crawford has 5 years $102.5 million left, Josh Beckett 2 years left with $31.5 million, and Nick Punto has 1 year left with $1.5million.

How much is left is in the bank to still acquire much needed big name free agents such as pitcher Cliff Lee, slugger Josh Hamilton to Los Angeles? With a ridiculous contract like Carl Crawford’s, the Dodgers will be stuck with this bum similar to how the Los Angeles Angels are still stuck with the inconsistent Vernon Wells. Beckett with two years left could be traded at some point, and would or could be a good bargaining chip along with Punto.

Gonzalez’ impact on the Dodgers, is a major significant upgrade and much needed at first base. Beckett for now would take garbage pitcher Joe Blanton‘s place in the rotation.

After having some time to review this deal I’d have to say this could be just the right move for the Dodgers. Make no mistake about it, with big time free agents and trade options out there for next season, other teams will be upgrading. And in the city of Los Angeles, stars attract fans along with winning that keeps them coming back for more and getting Dodger blue fever.

If the Dodgers truly are serious about making Los Angeles a Dodger town again, this is a step in the right direction. Now all they have to do is bring a championship to Dodger Stadium, and it wouldn’t hurt to have Lee, Hamilton, or even Felix Hernandez possibly in the mix as the clock continues to tick.