SB Nation Los Angeles: All Posts by Scott Colemanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2013-03-27T11:00:07-07:00https://losangeles.sbnation.com/authors/scott-coleman/rss2013-03-27T11:00:07-07:002013-03-27T11:00:07-07:00Expert picks for West region
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-xxXuu0UoSHfzFVHgqkJG6UVtnc=/0x162:4000x2829/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10472639/20130323_jla_ad3_068.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The experts are split between the 'Cats and Buckeyes out west.</p> <p>No team should feel safe in the West this March. The opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament saw top-seeded Gonzaga fall to Wichita State, and also saw losses from No. 3 New Mexico, No. 4 Kansas State and No. 5 Wisconsin. On Thursday night, four teams will battle to advance to the Elite 8.</p>
<p>The first game, starting at 7:47 p.m. ET, will feature No. 2 Ohio State against No. 6 Arizona. The nightcap will pit No. 9 Wichita State against No. 13 La Salle at 10:17 p.m.</p>
<p>The experts seem split between Arizona and Ohio State. Jeff Goodman and Matt Norlander of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/ncaa-tournament/expert-picks/straight-up/regional-semifinals">CBS Sports</a> like the Wildcats to march on, while Gary Parrish and Jeff Borzello favor the buckeyes. Parrish and Norlander also like Wichita State to win its Sweet 16 matchup, while Goodman and Borzello like La Salle to continue its Cinderella run.</p>
<p>USA Today college hoops scribe <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fvideos%2Fsports%2Fncaab%2F2013%2F03%2F25%2F2019241%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Flosangeles.sbnation.com%2F2013%2F3%2F27%2F4151002%2F2013-ncaa-bracket-predictions-sweet-16-elite-8" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Eric Prisbell picked Arizona</a> to win the West and return to the Final Four for the first time since 2001.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/-college-basketball-mens-tournament/news/20130325/sweet-16-west-regional/#ixzz2Ob6Z23HD">Andy Glockner of Sports Illustrated</a> has Ohio St. winning the West behind the dynamic duo of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124097/aaron-craft" class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Craft</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124095/deshaun-thomas">Deshaun Thomas</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>They're the most polished and accomplished team left. They have an excellent coach and staff, probably the best pure scorer in the region, the best on-ball defender in Aaron Craft, X-factor guys like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145881/sam-thompson" class="sbn-auto-link">Sam Thompson</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/150834/laquinton-ross" class="sbn-auto-link">LaQuinton Ross</a>, and are comfortable playing bigger or smaller and uptempo or slower.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>More in College Basketball:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/3/25/4144724/florida-gulf-coast-ncaa-tournament-2013-guide?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Get to know Florida Gulf Coast, best school ever</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/videos/2013/3/25/4145800/florida-gulf-coast-dunks-ncaa-tournament-2013-the-daily-win?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The Daily Win: FGCU Dunk-a-Thon</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/3/25/4144290/ncaa-tournament-2013-march-madness-recap-scores-highlights?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The best and worst of Sunday's Madness</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/3/25/4143908/2013-printable-bracket?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Printable bracket for March Madness</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Full coverage of March Madness</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://losangeles.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=21539" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="21539-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2013/3/27/4151002/2013-ncaa-bracket-predictions-sweet-16-elite-8Scott Coleman2013-03-21T07:00:08-07:002013-03-21T07:00:08-07:00Printable NCAA Tournament brackets are here
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mqd124tw7FS5BptVcPo996sAMHc=/0x270:2660x2043/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10140139/20130316_kkt_st3_114.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>March Madness takes over the sports scene on Thursday afternoon. Be sure to get your bracket set before all the action kicks off.</p> <p>The NCAA Tournament every March is arguably the greatest sporting event of the year. With 68 teams fighting for their season, every year brings us Cinderella teams, upsets, heartbreak and triumph.</p>
<p>On Thursday, all of the madness is set to begin once again.</p>
<p>If you haven't filled out your bracket yet, there is still time to do so. You can print off an updated bracket for the 2013 NCAA Tournament <a href="https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=0f378102e52ba33a&id=F378102E52BA33A%21160" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>So far, four games have been played in the First Four portion of the tournament. On Tuesday, North Carolina A&T defeated Liberty at the buzzer, 73-72, to advance to the second round. They will now face top-seeded Louisville on Thursday night. The second game on Tuesday saw the Saint Mary's Gaels make quick work of Middle Tennessee. SMC will take on Memphis next.</p>
<p>James Madison defeated LIU Brooklyn in convincing fashion to play Indiana on Friday. The nightcap saw La Salle defeat Boise State to advance as the No. 13 seed in the West Region. La Salle will take on Kansas State on Friday afternoon.</p>
<h4>More in College Basketball:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/3/17/4116652/ncaa-bracket-2013-full-printable-march-madness-bracket?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Printable bracket for March Madness</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-bracket-predictions?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Need help filling out your bracket? Check out our predictions</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/3/19/4123068/jay-bilas-ncaa-bracket-predictions?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Jay Bilas breaks down the bracket</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/3/19/4119040/march-madness-valparaiso-ole-miss-buzzer-beater-history?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">An oral history of Bryce Drew's epic buzzer-beater</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft-toolbox?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The best NBA draft prospects of March Madness</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Full coverage of March Madness</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://losangeles.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=21419" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="21419-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2013/3/21/4130112/2013-ncaa-tournament-printable-bracketScott Coleman2013-01-31T05:00:04-08:002013-01-31T05:00:04-08:00Matt Barkley taken No. 8 by Bills in mock draft
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ebG1bjFZfJjvkoSGAjcoGwPcd_Y=/0x77:2580x1797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7386991/20121117_lbm_aj4_135.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In this scenario, Barkley would be the third QB selected in the top 10. Many felt he was a near-lock for the No. 1 pick this time last year.</p> <p>For the first time in a couple years, there is no elite quarterback prospect (or prospects) in this year's NFL draft class. Or at least there isn't as of late January.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<i>
<b>For more on this story, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://buffalorumblings.com">Buffalo Rumblings</a>.</b>
</i>
</p>
<p>There are a couple of players, such as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> and Geno Smith, who put up big numbers in college, but their ability to transition to the professional level has been questioned by scouts. Then there are other guys, such as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37776/ryan-nassib">Ryan Nassib</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/39109/mike-glennon">Mike Glennon</a>, who did not garner much attention at the collegiate level, but project much better for the NFL with their size and arm strength.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-DaneBrugler" target="_blank">latest mock draft from CBS Sports</a>, Barkley will go No. 8 overall to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>. The same mock has Smith going No. 1 overall to Kansas City and Glennon going seventh to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California: With new head coach Doug Marrone in Buffalo, his former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib makes a lot of sense for the Bills in the second round. With two quarterbacks already off the board in this scenario, Barkley could be the third after impressing NFL teams during the interview process.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This time last year, Barkley seemed like a near-lock for the top draft pick given his strong junior campaign. He decided to return to USC for his fourth and final season, which led to numerous disappointing losses and a shoulder injury that kept him out of the team's final two games.</p>
<p>Barkley threw for 3,273 yards, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2012. While there is no denying he has talent, his stock has taken a bit of a hit recently. It still seems likely he is a first-round pick, although it's unclear just where he'll land at this point.</p>
<p> </p>
<iframe src="https://losangeles.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=365" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="365-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2013/1/31/3935490/2013-nfl-mock-draftScott Coleman2013-01-05T10:12:54-08:002013-01-05T10:12:54-08:00Dwight Howard says right shoulder is sore
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v7cT9xFFH2kTXfyggDU047LlEAo=/0x129:2580x1849/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6102665/158991630.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Howard has not been 100 percent with the Lakers this season.</p> <p>When <span>Dwight Howard</span> came to the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> last summer, he was coming off back surgery. He clearly wasn't 100 percent healthy when he took the floor earlier in the year. Now, as the midway point in the season nears, Howard is dealing with another ailment.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.insidesocal.com/lakers/2013/01/05/dwight-howard-describes-right-shoulder-as-sore/">According to a report from Mark Medina of Inside SoCal</a>, Howard described his right shoulder as "sore" following Friday's loss to the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a>. It appears that the seven-foot big man injured the shoulder during the third quarter on a play in which he made contact with <span>Caron Butler</span> in the lane:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It's sore," he said. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It is unclear whether or not Howard will miss any games this week. L.A. is set to play the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nuggets</a> at home on Sunday night. They then have a back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday night in Houston and San Antonio.</p>
<p>Howard's injuries have affected his offensive output this year. He's averaging about three points and two rebounds fewer than he has over the course of his career, and some have raised questions about his footwork and mobility on defense. If the Lakers hope to turn things around in the second half of the season, they'll need Howard healthy and productive.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2013/1/5/3839570/dwight-howard-injury-lakersScott Coleman2013-01-02T05:01:23-08:002013-01-02T05:01:23-08:00Dwight Howard working to improve free throws
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OqcnRaGBP-CBISC36l8nvGEk_XE=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5923959/20121213_ajl_aw8_051.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Howard has struggled with free throw shooting throughout his career, but a recent change in his stance has led to some improved results.</p> <p>Whether it be Dwight Howard, Shaquille O'Neal or any other prolific big man in <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> history, free throws have seemingly always been an issue.</p>
<p>After starting off the year with poor free throw shooting numbers, Howard has recently changed up the way he sets his feet while at the charity stripe. For a guy who has hit less than 60 percent of his free throws over the course of his career, the adjustment would be a welcome change for himself and the coaching staff.</p>
<p>As this article from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20130102,0,4505969.story">Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times details</a>, Howard has spent the last month standing six inches back of the free throw line after being fouled.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Having noticed that many of his shots were bouncing off the back of the rim, Howard has moved his feet about six inches behind the free-throw line over the last month or so.</p>
<p>The half-step back has resulted in some forward movement in precision.</p>
<p>"The success can't be measured by numbers right now," Howard said Tuesday. "The success is measured by consistency, and for the most part I've been consistent."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Since moving back a couple of inches, the Lakers big man has hit 56 of his 91 free throw attempts, which is 61.5 percent. That still isn't a great number, but for a guy who really struggled to shoot the ball in the early going, Howard will happily take it.</p>
<p>On Tuesday night, Howard made five of his 10 free throw attempts while taking on the 76ers.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2013/1/2/3826850/dwight-howard-lakers-free-throwsScott Coleman2012-12-21T19:42:22-08:002012-12-21T19:42:22-08:00USC women's hoops suspends head coach for one game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SzzbpOh8o5U7iKjk9Y3jk0q3How=/0x12:1000x679/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5423443/20120223_pjc_al2_379.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cooper used an ineligible player in one of USC's practices.</p> <p>As the USC women's basketball team took the court against UC Davis in a non-conference battle on Friday night, they did so without head coach Michael Cooper.</p>
<p>According to an official release from the USC Athletic Department, Cooper was suspended one game for a secondary NCAA violation. The school announced that the head coach used an ineligible player in a recent practice.</p>
<p>With their head coach unable to take the sidelines, associate head coach Daron Park handled the coaching duties. The Trojans struggled against UC Davis, falling by a score of 78-69. They had their chances to close the deficit late, but it just wasn't the Trojans' night. The loss was USC's third straight defeat. The team's record is now 3-6 on the year.</p>
<p>Fortunately for USC, coach Cooper is expected to return on Saturday afternoon as the Trojans take on Duke at the Galen Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/21/3794160/michael-cooper-suspended-usc-basketballScott Coleman2012-12-21T19:13:29-08:002012-12-21T19:13:29-08:00Ben Howland not concerned with firing rumors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-6yCvotaRCcweCPEf8r62tvI_Zk=/0x61:4000x2728/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5422923/20121128_gav_aj4_402.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Howland has been the subject of firing talks the past couple of days in Westwood.</p> <p>The first month of the season has been a rough one for Ben Howland and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/ucla-bruins" class="sbn-auto-link">UCLA Bruins</a>. Howland began the year on the hot seat, and despite bringing in a loaded freshman class and returning a couple of key veterans, the Bruins have stumbled out of the gate.</p>
<p>This past week, there were rumors, reports and whispers of coach Howland potentially being fired at the end of the season, if not sometime before the year ended. While these reports are yet to really substantiate, they have not gone unnoticed by Howland. Here is what he had to say in <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/ucla/post/_/id/12868/business-as-usual-for-ben-howland">a recent ESPN Los Angeles article</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I'm just doing everything I can to help this team improve and grow and become the best team it can become and help the players and individuals grow and become the best players they can," Howland said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Howland also said that he can't respond to everything written on message boards, and that he feels he will be fairly evaluated at the end of the season like he has every year since taking the job in 2003.</p>
<p>UCLA will need to play much better in the coming months if they hope to reach the NCAA Tournament in March. The Bruins, 8-3, already have one bad loss on their resume, and a win against nationally-ranked Missouri on Dec. 28 would go a long way in saving Howland's job. There are also two big Pac-12 showdowns with No. 4 Arizona looming on the horizon.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/21/3794098/ucla-coaching-rumors-ben-howlandScott Coleman2012-12-20T15:33:24-08:002012-12-20T15:33:24-08:00Darreus Rogers practicing, can't play in Sun Bowl
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mxHIQe-evzNyqU0s7hklzoBfzY8=/0x34:4000x2701/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5363225/20121124_jla_al2_1002.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Rogers was ineligible to play this season due to academic issues.</p> <p>Darreus Rogers was one of the better wide receivers in high school football last year. After signing with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> last February, Rogers envisioned having a solid career with the Trojans. After being ruled ineligible, he was forced to sit out this past season as USC went on to post a disappointing 7-5 record.</p>
<p>As coach Lane Kiffin's team prepares to play in the 2012 Sun Bowl against Georgia Tech, Rogers has been able to return to the practice field. As <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/status/281891103215587328">Ryan Abraham of Inside Troy reported</a> on Thursday, the freshman receiver practiced on the scout team this afternoon. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/status/281896410931138563">Abraham also said</a> that Rogers would continue to practice since school is no longer in session, although he will not be eligible to travel with the team to take in the bowl game festivities.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see if Rogers works his way onto the field during the 2013 season. The Trojans figure to be stacked yet again at the wide receiver position, although the former four-star recruit certainly has the talent to create a spot for himself high on the depth chart.</p>
<p>USC will take on Georgia Tech on Monday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. ET.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/20/3790104/darreus-rogers-usc-sun-bowl-practiceScott Coleman2012-12-20T13:16:40-08:002012-12-20T13:16:40-08:00LA Galaxy sign local product Gyasi Zardes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/egaLsnqw2fG063BNnIlJgux-Tp4=/3x0:3993x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5356415/20121118_lbm_ab8_465.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Galaxy hope a local prospect can become a serious contributor in the coming years.</p> <p>The Los Angeles Galaxy have signed 21-year-old forward Gyasi Zardes. He is a native of Hawthorne, Calif., making it the second homegrown player the Galaxy have signed since the end of the season.</p>
<p>Zardes scored 38 goals during a prolific tenure with CSU Bakersfield, emerging as one of the best scorers in college soccer. He hit the net 33 times in 37 games the past two seasons.</p>
<p>"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to join the L.A. Galaxy," said Zardes. "The chance to play in front of family and friends and alongside the likes of Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan truly is a dream come true. I would like to sincerely thank the Galaxy, MLS, Cal-State University Bakersfield and Wasserman for their support and belief in me. I would also like to thank God without whom I would certainly not be where I am today. I am looking forward to working hard and helping the Galaxy defend their MLS Cup title next season".</p>
<p>In 2012, Zardes continued to play very well, scoring 15 goals and adding nine assists. He had two or more goals in four of his 17 games, including seven goals in a two-game stretch in mid-October.</p>
<p>Zardes will look to help lead the Galaxy to their third-straight MLS Cup in 2013.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/20/3789610/gyasi-zardes-la-galaxy-homegrown-playerScott Coleman2012-12-19T05:02:13-08:002012-12-19T05:02:13-08:00Dodgers ranked sixth in ESPN power rankings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iqQwQwCrRryhBKY-uaHNr4AFRI0=/55x0:3940x2590/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5256799/20121211_ajl_al2_008.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One ESPN expert feels the Dodgers are one of baseball's most complete teams.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> have been one of baseball's most aggressive clubs this offseason, and they stole all of the national headlines when they signed ace pitcher <span>Zack Greinke</span>. Now armed with a deep rotation, formidable lineup and solid bullpen, many feel the Dodgers will be one of the National League's best teams in 2013.</p>
<p>ESPN's Buster Olney recently released his top 10 power rankings for clubs as they're currently assembled now. There are still a couple of key free agents on the market who could change things up a bit, but as of now, Olney has L.A. ranked sixth.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>You can pick holes in this team, starting with the left side of the infield, and it might not be a good sign that manager Don Mattingly is talking about how the pressure on the team isn't really fair to the players. But you can't get around this: The Dodgers have a whole lot of good players, from <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> to Zack Greinke to <span>Matt Kemp</span> to <span>Adrian Gonzalez</span>. Overall, the Dodgers have 10 players who make $11 million or more.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It will be interesting to see if Los Angeles' new ownership group allows for any more big signings or trades to go down this offseason. As Olney pointed out, there are a couple of flaws with the team, although there is currently nothing that immediately warrants a drastic change. Assuming the Dodgers can stay healthy next season, they should remain near the top of everyone's power rankings from April through September.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/19/3783214/mlb-power-rankings-dodgersScott Coleman