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After beating the Cubs in the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers are back in the World Series for the first time since 1988.
That drought doesn’t come close to the longest in MLB history, but after a lengthy period of sustained winning, but little postseason glory, the Dodgers are finally over the hump. With one of the wealthiest ownership groups in baseball, money has fueled much of their success, but the front office tandem of Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi is also one of the best in the business, demonstrating an uncanny ability to find impact players on the cheap.
With 473 wins over the past five seasons (including 104 in 2017 alone), these Dodgers are one of the most fearsome clubs in recent memory. Below, we take a look at how the team was assembled.
Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations
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When acquired: Prior to the 2015 season
How acquired: Hired by the Dodgers after resigning from his previous post with the Tampa Bay Rays.
2017 salary: ~$ 7 million, plus incentives
Contract: 5 years, $ 35 million
One thing to know: The Dodgers had deep pockets long before they installed the current regime, but it’s Friedman who has done much of the work to create the front office’s foward-thinking culture. The Tulane graduate cut his teeth as an executive with the small-market Tampa Bay Rays, with whom he was named Sporting News’ Baseball Executive of the Year for 2008.
Dave Roberts, manager
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When acquired: Prior to the 2016 season
How acquired: Hired by the Dodgers after leaving his role as bench coach of the San Diego Padres
2017 salary: Unknown
Contract: 3 years, with a team option for a fourth
One thing to know: In just two seasons as a manager, Roberts has already earned respect throughout the game. The former outfielder was named 2016 National League Manager of the Year, and he’s known for his deft deployment of analytics as much as he’s known for his rapport with the players.
Corey Seager, shortstop
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When acquired: 2012
How acquired: The 18th pick of the 2012 MLB Draft
2017 salary: $ 575,000
Contract: 1 year, $ 575,000. Seager will likely receive his first big raise in 2019 when he will be eligible for arbitration for the first time. He is not eligible for free agency until 2022.
One thing to know: Seager has quickly blossomed into one of the best all-around players in the game, but he might not even be the best shortstop from his draft class. Carlos Correa and Addison Russell were both selected ahead of him.
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