Using the simulated game feature on "MLB 2010 The Show" on the PS3, MyDodgersNation will be simulating upcoming games to see just how accurate their simulation feature is at mimicking real life.

According to the simulation, today's game against the Cincinnati Reds will result in a 7-1 Dodgers win. With timely hitting, the Dodgers were able to capitalize on a 5-run 8th inning to an easy win on the road. The player of today's game was Chad Billingsley with 8 solid innings (with 8K's) and allowing just 1 1st inning run. Just how accurate will this simulation be? We'll find out tonight when the game is played for real, starting at 4:10pm PST.

Excerpt from dodgers.com article:

"The Dodgers designated veteran pitcher Russ Ortiz for assignment Sunday and recalled rookie Jon Link in the first of several anticipated moves to strengthen the bullpen.

In the coming week, the club is expected to activate left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo and right-hander Ronald Belisario. Kuo is recovering from a sore elbow and has a scheduled Minor League rehab appearance Sunday. Belisario, who missed five weeks of Spring Training with visa problems, is scheduled to make back-to-back appearances at extended spring training Sunday and Monday and is also likely to be activated during the week."

Read more on Russ Ortiz on Dodgers.com

In a game where pitching was the main headline, the Dodgers Manny Ramirez sends the rival San Francisco Giants back home with a PH 2-run homerun (click for video) and enabled the Dodgers to claim the series win.

What more can you say except WOW?! Being held off the starting lineup the previous game due to an injury sustained on Friday night, Manny was called on by Joe Torre to pinch hit for reliever Jeff Weaver. At the time, the Dodgers were held scoreless for 17+ innings after being shut out a day earlier by Tim Lincecum and the Giants. With a 1-2 pitch and 2 out, Giants reliever Sergio Romo made a side-arm throw (breaking ball) that went over the middle of the plate. Manny being Manny, he launches the ball to the left field pavilion.

Great way to end the series!

The Dodgers will attempt to begin this ship-turning effort this afternoon against division rivals, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Los Angeles will send Clayton Kershaw to the mound looking for his first win of the season. He struggled with his control in his first outing, giving up 3 runs and 6 walks in only 4.2 innings pitched. Kershaw, who was supposed to be the anchor of the Dodgers staff this year, will have to put forth a solid effort this afternoon, and going further into the season.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

1:10 PM

First of all, there are 161 more games to go. That should probably be the main driving force of my arguments, and I could just end the article right here and everybody would have to say that I am one hundred percent correct. However, I don't feel like stringing you along like that, and there are definitely more positive aspects of Monday's devastating loss than the fact that they have another chance later on tonight.

Let's rewind the clock a couple of weeks. Joe Torre announced that Vicente Padilla was going to be the Opening Day starter for the Dodgers. This announcement was met with plenty of criticism and hysteria from Dodgers fans everywhere, as they tried to understand why Padilla was give the job. Before this announcement Padilla was largely considered the third or fourth best starter on the Dodgers staff. Many failed to understand why younger, more qualified starters such as Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley didn't get the spot. So, while the Dodgers looked particularly feeble in the series opener in Pittsburgh, remember that their opening day starter isn't exactly opening day caliber.

The big performance for the Dodgers comes tonight, when Kershaw takes the mound. The Dodgers will rely heavily on Kershaw's maturation as a pitcher throughout the season, and he is widely expected to become the ace of the staff. After Kershaw tonight, the Dodgers other upcoming star Billingsley will throw on Thursday. The Dodgers are going to rely heavily on the arms of these two young men for the rest of the season, and most likely the next few years. While the starting rotation is the largest question mark for Joe Torre's club this season, it definitely is not as catastrophic as Padilla's opening day flop.

One of the bright spots I noticed from Monday's game was the offense. There seem to be very few flaws in the Los Angeles line-up this season. While players like Blake, Ramirez, and Furcal are on the downturns of their careers, the young nucleus of the Dodgers offense is just getting into their prime. Players like James Loney and Russell Martin are looking to become legitimate offensive threats, while Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are turning into bona fide All-Stars. The Dodgers line-up did score five runs on Monday, albeit against a Pittsburgh pitching staff. However, it appears as if the Los Angeles offense is not going to be a problem, so even with the loss there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Another positive aspect from Monday's game was the bench production. While it is impossible to judge anything based on nine innings of baseball, the Dodgers seem to have carried over their tradition of a deep bench that helped them so much last season. Garrett Anderson had a pinch-hit single, which of course is one hit and could mean nothing, but its a positive thing we can take from an otherwise negative game. Bench production was crucial last season, we all remember that.

Overall, it is very important for Dodgers fans to consider the magnitude of the situation. Baseball, more than any other sport, is a marathon and not a sprint. The division is not going to be won in July or August, and it is most certainly not going to be decided on April 7th. Remember Dodgers Nation, there is a long ways to go and we haven't even seen the best pitchers the Dodgers have to offer. So don't panic quite yet, and always remember this: In August of 2008 the Dodgers lost 8 consecutive games to put them basically out of playoff contention. However they then rallied for 12 wins in their next 13 games, and won the division. Never give up hope Dodgers fans, especially on the second day of the season.

The Dodgers opening day Roster has been announced! The 2010 team remains laregely unchanged, with the notable exceptions of Orlando Hudson at 2b (replaced by Blake DeWitt) and Randy Wolf (replaced by Charlie Haeger).

Pitchers

Chad Billingsley
Jonathan Broxton
Charlie Haeger
Clayton Kershaw
Hiroki Kuroda
Carlos Monasterios
Ramon Ortiz
Russ Ortiz
Vicente Padilla
George Sherill
Ramon Troncoso
Jeff Weaver

Infielders

Ronnie Belliard
Casey Blake
Jamie Carroll
Blake DeWitt
Rafael Furcal
James Loney

Outfielders

Garret Anderson
Andre Ethier
Reed Johnson
Matt Kemp
Manny Ramirez

Catchers

Brad Ausmus
Russell Martin

With less than a week before the beginning of the 2010 MLB season, Joe Torre and the Dodgers are still unwilling to announce the fifth starter that will be rounding out the Dodgers rotation.

It is widely believed that Charlie Haeger, the young knuckleballer, will ultimately win the final spot in the starting rotation. Also in contention are pitchers Carlos Monasterios, Ramon Ortiz, Russ Ortiz and Josh Towers.

Who do you think should be the Dodgers fifth starter?

In last season’s loss to the Phillies in the NLCS the Dodgers were severely outmatched, and much of that stemmed from the starting rotation.  Even after the obvious recognition regarding the starting rotation the Dodgers have taken a step backwards heading into the 2010 season. Randy Wolf, arguably the Dodgers most consistent starter last season, left for the Milwaukee Brewers via free agency. This leaves Padilla, and his 4.33 career ERA, as the arm the Dodgers are relying on to get their season off on the right foot.

If last year was any precursor to the style of play the Dodgers will put forth, their offensive talent and dominant bullpen will be enough to compensate for the below-average starting rotation. Los Angeles was able to coast through the regular season last year thanks to high offensive production and the best bullpen in the National League. However, once they reached the playoffs their lack of a dominant ace was exploited, and the Dodgers were left watching the World Series from their sofas once again.

In order for the Dodgers to finally take the next step and reach the World Series they will need to improve upon their current rotation. While youngsters such as Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley are showing plenty of potential, they are not ready to take the next step just yet. For success in this year’s postseason the Dodgers will need to pick up a starting pitcher that can dominate the opposition.

It is no secret that midseason pitching acquisitions can have huge impacts on a mediocre team. The Phillies were struggling last season until they traded for Cliff Lee, who proceeded to carry them to their second straight National League pennant. In 2008 the Milwaukee Brewers traded for CC Sabathia, who had a very similar impact on a below average team. While it is far too soon to be discussing possible trade deadline deals, the Dodgers need to keep their options open.

Many people, mainly those in the Dodgers front office, claim that the Dodgers didn’t need to pursue star pitchers like Roy Halladay this offseason because they expect Kershaw to become the clear-cut ace of the staff. While Kershaw clearly has nasty stuff, the point remains that he is only 22 years old and lacks the necessary experience to anchor an entire rotation. The other young star, 25 year-old Chad Billingsley, has been inconsistent at best, and is even less prepared than Kershaw to take the next step.

The level of young talent on the Los Angeles roster is staggering, but it will all be wasted unless the Los Angeles executives can bring in another piece. They seem willing to wait around for a couple years while players like Billingsley and Kershaw develop. The problem with this philosophy is that every year they wait is another year they waste the offensive talents of young stars Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, and James Loney. It is also one more year of mileage added to the aging bodies of Rafael Furcal, Manny Ramirez, and Casey Blake. The Dodgers best hopes of bringing in their first World Series title in twenty years is right now, but until they bring in a number one starter they are going to keep playing second fiddle to teams like Philadelphia, who boast a superior starting rotation.

Looks like Dodgers Russell Martin will be ready on opening day for the 2010 season. Martin is "recovering faster than expected from a pulled groin" and should be ready to start at the beginning of the season. We will know more information as he is scheduled to make his 2010 debut in a minor league game today.

While Russell Martin was a shell of his former self in the 2009 season, he plans on making a big impact for the 2010 Dodgers. Before getting injured during Spring Training, he worked out during the off-season and added 20 lbs. of bulk.

The NL West gets no respect from the media. The NL West is widely considered to have lesser talented teams than the NL Central and NL East. It is conveniently forgotten that the last two years the Dodgers represented the NL along with Philadelphia in the National League Championship Series. In 2007 the Rockies beat the Diamondbacks in an all NL West NLCS. So the NL West being a subpar division is, in my opinion false.

With that said, here is a breakdown (with predictions) of the 2010 NL West Division.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Bad plate discipline, inexperience, and injuries caused this team to flounder last year. Fortunately, for Arizona fans this year is a fresh start. The starting rotation received a huge boost by acquiring Edwin Jackson, together with Dan Haren should give the D-backs a fine one-two. Unfortunately, Brandon Webb will be lucky to start 20 games this year due to a nagging injury that cost him most of last year. The bullpen is above average with newly acquired Aaron Heilman, veteran Bob Howry, and closer Chad Qualls. Arizona will win games based on their offense and young five tool players all around, including Stephen Drew, Juston Upton, Mark Reynolds and Chris Young. Throw in new first baseman Adam LaRoche and ex Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson and you have a team that can score in bunches. The weakness of this team is defense and the likely possibility that the D-Backs could lead all teams in K's due to their aggressive mentality at the plate.

Prediction: Record: 86-76 Good enough for 3^rd place

Player to watch: Justin Upton

Colorado Rockies

Ex-Dodger coach Jim Tracy's club has some work to do this year. Their act of falling behind and then piling on a winning streak at the end of the season will not work every year. They need to be more consistent, and that is what Jim Tracy needs to teach this young ball club. The Colorado pitching staff found an ace in Ubaldo Jimenez, lost a 15 game winner in Jason Marquis, but gained past staff ace Jeff Francis back from injury. The pitching staff is not good enough to make up for the Coors field disadvantage, and Ubaldo is the only hard throwing, ground-ball pitcher they have, whom by the way is the perfect type of pitcher for Coors field. Defense never seems to matter in Colorado so the offense has to be potent, and outside of Troy Tulowitski, no other Rockies player hit more than 23 home runs. The Rockies still have a professional hitter in Todd Helton, and an underrated Brad Hawpe, but hopefully young outfielders Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez can provide some offensive help. Once again the Rockies will be runner-up.

Prediction: Record: 88-74; 2nd in the West

Player to watch: OF Carlos Gonzalez

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are the best team in the underrated West division. Los Angeles is the most balanced team by far, with a good rotation featuring young stars Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley. Opening Day starter Vicente Padilla is a tough minded pitcher, and I look for veteran Ramon Ortiz to win the fifth spot with a sparkling preseason. The rotation is backed by a fantastic bullpen, and one of the league’s best setup men and closer combination in George Sherrill and Jonathon Broxton. The defense is well above average with Kemp, Loney and Furcal leading the way. The offense can beat you in many ways, Matt Kemp is on the verge of superstardom, and Andre Ethier and Manny Ramirez are feared hitters. The key is the progression of James Loney, he has 13 home runs and 90 RBI's in each of the last two seasons, and the Dodgers will need these numbers to improve. The team has great energy and professionalism, and it is all a testament to Joe Torre's coaching and the leadership he brings to this ball club.

Prediction: Record: 96-66    1^st in the West

Player to watch: 1B James Loney

San Diego Padres

The fact that the Padres won 75 games last season was a miracle. The Padres have some nice young players, 3B Chase Headley, OF Kyle Blanks, and the prize of the Jake Peavy deal, SP Aaron Poreda. But it looks like the rebuilding process will take three or four years. Moreover, San Diego may very well trade star closer Heath Bell and (Padres fans should look away) they may need to trade star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Speaking of Gonzalez, he led the Padres in batting average, home runs, runs batted in, walks, hits and every other offensive stat that matters. Padres fans should embrace this young team and watch them grow. Unfortunately, this team will start at the bottom, but not for lack of effort.

Prediction: Record: 68- 94; Last in the Division

Player to watch: Kyle Blanks

San Francisco Giants

The Giants are a team that has absolutely no plan for the future. With solid young players like Pablo Sandoval, Nate Shurholtz and Tim Lincecum, the front office has chosen to sign older players like Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria, Randy Winn and Aubrey Huff who offer only temporary relief. The Giants signed Tim Lincecum in the off season to a two year deal. Why?! The Giants should have locked him down for 8 years and watch him collect another 4 Cy Young awards in the process. The Giants were the worst power hitting team in the majors based on talent. The Giant’s clean-up hitter (Bengie Molina) had only 20 homeruns last year with 80 RBI, for a clean-up hitter that was atrocious. Once again the Giants will need to rely on their rotation of Lincecum, Matt Cain and Barry Zito. On name brand alone this is a scary trio, but Zito hasn't been himself in years and Cain is still inconsistent.

Prediction: Record: 79-83 which lands the Giants in 4^th place.

Player to watch: 3B Pablo Sandoval