In the fifth part of my season review series, I look at the Dodgers' outfield. This was by far the best part of the offense, despite the glaring hole in left field.
Starters
LF Tony Gwynn
.256/.308/.353, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 22 SB, 23 BB, 61 K, 84 OPS+
- I didn't know who to put here, but Gwynn gets the nod because he had the most appearances in left field. His performance wasn't great, but the Dodgers pretty much knew what to expect from him. He played excellent defense and caused a little havoc on the basepaths. I'd like to see him re-signed as the 4th/5th outfielder.
CF Matt Kemp
.324/.399/.586, 39 HR, 126 RBI, 40 SB, 74 BB, 159 K, 171 OPS+
- Kemp put up MVP-type numbers and is in close contention with Ryan Braun for the award. He was the best all-around player in the National League this season and was the heart of the Dodgers' offense. Even with little protection, Kemp challenged for the Triple Crown. He is a special talent.
RF Andre Ethier
.292/.368/.421, 11 HR, 62 RBI, 30 2B, 58 BB, 103 K, 120 OPS+
- Ethier, despite the above-average OPS+, had a down season. His batting average and on-base percentage were actually better than his career numbers coming into the season (.291/.363), but his power all but disappeared. He ended up having knee surgery and could be back to his old self in 2012. The Dodgers should have traded him in June and they could look to deal him now, but they'd be selling low.
Reserves
Jay Gibbons
.255/.323/.345, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 2B, 5 BB, 14 K, 87 OPS+
- Gibbons didn't spend much time with the Dodgers this season and didn't blow anyone away with his performance, but he was adequate.
Jamie Hoffmann
0-for-4, 1 K
- Hoffmann spent a few days with the Dodgers, but did all his damage in Albuquerque.
Trent Oeltjen
.197/.322/.324, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 10 R, 13 BB, 30 K, 81 OPS+
- Oeltjen got hot for a few games, but was pretty much ineffective the rest of the season.
Xavier Paul
3-for-11, 5 K
- Paul didn't ever get it going -- nor did he get a chance to -- before being acquired by Pittsburgh. He his .254/.293/.349 with the Bucs.
Jerry Sands
.253/.338/.389, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 15 2B, 25 BB, 51 K, 102 OPS+
- Sands spent the majority of his time in the Majors in the outfield. He had an up-and-down first go-round with the Dodgers before finishing the season on fire. He's a lock to be a starter next season -- either in left field, right field or first base.
Juan Rivera
.274/.333/.406, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 12 2B, 21 BB, 35 K, 105 OPS+
- Rivera was acquired in July and most didn't think much of it. He provided a decent spark for the Dodgers and finished with the fourth-most RBI on the team. He could be in the team's 2012 plans.
Marcus Thames
.197/.243/.333, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 1 3B, 4 BB, 16 K, 59 OPS+
- I really liked this signing, despite Thames' lack of defense. However, he was just never able to get it going for the Dodgers. He signed with the Yankees after being designated for assignment, but never played a game for them. His career could be coming to a close.
Outfield MVP: Kemp
- Need I say more?
Outfield LVP: Thames
- His time with the Dodgers was flat-out disappointing.
That'll do it for my season wrap-ups. Going to think long about my plan for the Dodgers. I'll have it posted after the World Series wraps up.
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