Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Series Preview

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Apr 6, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers partner Magic Johnson (left) and former manager Tommy Lasorda attend the 2015 MLB opening day game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Padres 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Familiar Faces in New Places

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the prowl for a championship in 2015. Their ownership group is not shy about spending big money, and this offseason they made a number of splash trades to acquire veteran players. All told, the Dodgers have 3 new starting pitchers, a new starting catcher, a new double play combo up the middle, and a new center fielder.

Apr 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick (47) makes the throw for the out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon McCarthy, Scott Baker and Brett Anderson are the projected starting pitchers this week for the Trolley Dodgers. None of these pitchers were on the club last season, but all are familiar names to baseball fans. McCarthy is a quality starter who signed with Los Angeles as a free agent this winter. Baker is currently not on the Dodgers’ 25-man roster, but is expected to get called up to face the M’s on Tuesday night. Brett Anderson has electric stuff, but has struggled to stay healthy throughout his 7-year career. Anderson is a southpaw, and may represent the M’s toughest matchup.

As a group, the Dodgers are hitting the ball hard right now. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is leading the way with a .609 batting average. Gonzo has clubbed 5 home runs and driven in 7 runs over the course of 23 at bats. Mariners’ fans are very happy to see Howie Kendrick suiting up in Dodger blue after watching him star for the rival Angels over the last 9 seasons. Kendrick enters play hitting .292 with 2 RBI’s across his first 24 at bats. At 36-years-old, Jimmy Rollins is not the player he once was. However, the veteran shortstop has driven in 7 runs so far this season and is hitting .269.

Next: Final Thoughts