Kenley Jansen

2013 MLB Pennant Races: A to Z

An alphabetical look at the keys to the 2013 MLB pennant races.

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From A to Z, here are the keys to the 2013 MLB pennant races.

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Pedro Alvarez

Maybe the third baseman was rushed through the Pirates’ system, or maybe he’s been a little slow to develop, but the Pirates have been rewarded for their patience with the young slugger. The second overall pick in 2008 is tied for the NL lead in homers and is fourth in RBIs. If the Bucs can hang on and win the NL Central, Alvarez will be a key component.

Los Angeles Dodgers 2014 Preview

Men in blue believe they can win it all this season

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With all the turmoil of the past two years and massive roster turnover, the Dodgers came within two games (and perhaps one cracked rib in Hanley Ramirez’s side) of reaching the World Series for the first time since 1988. Clayton Kershaw and the best starting rotation in the National League provide the foundation for another deep October run.

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The most expensive reboot in baseball history — professional sports history — was a success. After buying the Dodgers for a record $2.15 billion in 2012, the Guggenheim Partners group green-lighted “spare-no-expense” blockbuster trades and mega-million-dollar free-agent acquisitions that produced a $230 million payroll.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Ranking their 40-Man Roster

Examining the team's best and worst players

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The Dodgers have quickly become the Evil Empire of the West over the past two seasons, more than doubling their team payroll from 2012 to 2013, which is more than $200 million. But where do they go from here?

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Between the end of the World Series and Opening Day every winter, fans are inundated with lists. Rankings of the best shortstop, the best left-handed relievers, the best leadoff men, the best second basemen in runs saved, the best right-handed pinch-hitter in road games in July and more. So, while life can be rather boring without 15 baseball games every night, over the next few weeks I’ll rank players on every 40-man roster.