The Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Year: 2012
W/L Record: 111-51
Run Differential: 887 RS vs. 626 RA +261 Runs
Awards: None
League Leading Stat Categories: Best Defensive Average (.712), Home Wins, On Base Average Against (.229), Stolen Bases (182)
Lineup/Bench Rotation/Bullpen
SS Devaris Strange-Gordon Clayton Kershaw
RF Kyle Russell Rich Harden
LF Matt Kemp Daisuke Matsuzaka
C Lucas May CJ Wilson
1B Justin Smoak Matt Garza
3B Ryan Zimmerman CL Jonathan Broxton
CF Julio Borbon SU Neftali Feliz
2B Ivan Dejesus Jr. SR Ronald Belisario
SR Hideki Okajima
MR Nathan Eovaldi
LR John Lackey
C Tim Federowicz
IF Ben Zobrist
SS Dee Gordon
OF Xavier Paul
OF Nyjer Morgan
OF Trayvon Robinson
The Key Players: The 2012 Dodgers may have been the least successful post-season team on this list and the team, as a whole, curtailed quickly. But this was a group with incredible depth on offense for a National League team. It also was the pinnacle of the Dodger franchise during FCM's history.
The team lead the National League in runs allowed and it was driven by a very effective pitching staff. The starting rotation all had ERAs below 4 including the staff ace Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw suffered a tough injury that year and missed several months but sported a 9-4 record with 138 strikeouts in 127 innings at a 3.90 ERA. The top performer might have been Rich Harden who pitched 212 innings, struck out 204 hitters, and went 13-8 with a 3.18 ERA. Dice-K and CJ Wilson were also solid starters that year for the team.
In the bullpen they were full of effective flame-throwers that did an excellent job supporting the rotation. Jonathan Broxton had 38 saves to go with a 2.95 ERA and 101 strikeouts in just 76 innings. His setup man Neftali Feliz struck out 113 in 94 innings along with 7 saves. Ronald Belisario had a 3.19 ERA and went 10-1 with 5 saves on the year. They also got excellent fill-in performances from Nathan Eovaldi (3.51 ERA 9-3 94 Ks in 107 IP) and John Lackey (3.92 ERA 7-4 79 Ks in 126 IP)
The offense also featured a remarkably balanced and deep attack. 5 hitters went yard at least 20 times, 3 players scored over 100 runs, and 3 drove in more than 100. Perhaps the most surprising part of this team was just how good the middle infield depth was. For 2B/SS/3B options the team had Devaris Strange-Gordon, Ben Zobrist, Ryan Zimmerman, Ivan Dejesus Jr. and Dee Gordon. Combined those five players hit 70 HR, stole 82 bases, scored 321 runs, and drove in 295 RBI. That's a ton of production from those positions and a lot of depth to work with.
The outfield was no slouch either feature Julio Borbon, Kyle Russell, and Matt Kemp. Kemp had a remarkable season that might have been a fantasy player's dream: he hit .288 with 29 HR, 22 SB, 103 runs scored, 121 RBI, 36 doubles, and an OPS of .831 to go with excellent defense in LF. Russell may have been even better in some ways as he managed a .266 average to go with 26 HR, 13 SB, 28 2Bs, 75 RBI, and an OPS of .879. The entire team, like few others, was as versatile and multi-faceted as any on this list.
What Sets Them Apart: In looking at these top 25 teams what struck me about this group was that versatility they featured. A lot of arms that were used as both starters and relievers. Hitters that filled multiple stat categories. A lot of mix and match ability with lineups. They were supremely talented and were unfortunately knocked out in the first round by and up and coming Chicago Cubs team or we may have seen them hoist the WS Title in 2012.
Interview with the Owner: None (no clear GM responsible)
Coming Next: 23rd Best Team in FCM History: A Fish Tale
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