ESPN, with the help of a scouting company called "Inside Edge", analyzed the Dodgers, especially focusing on closer Jonathan Broxton and Chad Billingsley.

A couple of key stats: Billingsley's curve ball in 2008 was especially effective. He induced a miss on 43% of swings on his curve, compared to the NL average of 26%. Also, Broxton had a 28.4% miss percentage, compared to the NL average of 20.1%.

The final verdict: "With the rest of the pitching staff in flux, the Dodgers will need Broxton and Billingsley to build on their promising careers. If they can somehow find stability between them, the Dodgers will have an excellent shot at repeating as NL West champions."