By Staff Writer, Hakop A.

            After a mediocre 82-80 record last season, the L.A. Dodgers did not make the playoffs—much to the surprise of fans and sportswriters. 
            This season, the Dodgers have made many key acquisitions, both in the clubhouse and on the roster, with the hope of winning their first postseason series since the 1988 World Series.
            To start off their off-season signings, the Dodgers signed former Braves centerfielder Andruw Jones.  Jones is a 10-time Gold Glover who has averaged 30 home runs, 93 runs batted in (RBI), and a .263 batting average per season. He will help the team in power-hitting, something that the team has lacked for many years. 
            Last season, Jones had a career low in batting average (.222); he only managed to hit 26 home runs and 94 RBI’s.  Due to his underperformance last season, the Dodgers signed him to a two-year deal, which is enough time to prove himself worthy to the organization and possibly get re-signed in the future.
             Another off-season addition was Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.  Although he is 33 years old, Kuroda packs a powerful 97 M.P.H. fastball, a mid to high 80 M.P.H. forkball, and an 80 M.P.H. slider.  With 103 career wins in the Japanese League, Kuroda is noted as one of Japan’s greatest pitchers of all-time. 
            Kuroda, along with Chad Billingsley, Brad Penny, and Derek Lowe, will help the Dodgers triumph in the pitching-friendly NL West.  However, it was recently reported that pitcher Jason Schmidt might not be ready to play until mid-season.  That, coupled with the inconsistency of Esteban Loiaza and the Dodgers’ all-right-handed pitching staff, puts a burden on General Manager Ned Colletti to possibly acquire a southpaw in a trade.
            Returning this season are numerous veterans and youthful players, including Jeff Kent, Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Lowe, Russell Martin, and Andre Ethier.  Such an abundance of infield and outfield players will definitely help the team in the stretch for the playoffs.
            Despite this, however, the single biggest acquisition the Dodgers made this offseason was the signing of former Yankees manager Joe Torre.  Torre won the World Series four times while with the Yankees.  He also has brought coaches Larry Bowa and Don Mattingly with him to help improve the team.
            These summer acquisitions, coupled with the return of core players, leaves the Dodgers with lots of room to make a deal for a starting left-handed pitcher. 
            If the Dodgers make the proper moves, the team will be able to match the powerful Arizona Diamondbacks for NL West supremacy, and possibly earn a spot in the World Series.