Top 10 Dodgers of the 2000’s: 2000-2009

The Dodgers have one of the most iconic franchises not just in baseball, but in all of sports. Players have grasped the hearts of many fans. The years 2000-2009 were no exception. Here are the top 10 Dodgers from that time period.

Fans have been spoiled lately with the team’s recent success. After six consecutive division titles, the team is under more scrutiny than ever before. But think about these numbers:

2000-2009: 90+ wins (3), division titles (3), playoff appearances (4), playoff wins (9)

2010-2018: 90+ wins (6), division titles (6), playoff appearances (6), playoff wins (31)

That is all with one more season to go in the decade. Obviously, the Dodgers were still a successful franchise over that time period, as they only fell below under 80 wins once. The success now is not arguable, nonetheless, the Dodgers in the 2000’s were a big part of re-engaging fans after some woeful seasons in the 90’s.

Before we get to the list let us take a look at some honorable mentions.

Takashi Saito

Saito was remarkable in his short 3-year tenure with the Dodgers. Striking out 245 would be hitters in just under 190 innings of work. Perhaps more impressive was his ability to keep the ball in the park, posting a 0.4 HR/9 ratio.

Matt Kemp

Kemp, did most of his damage in the 2010’s, however, he started to open eyes in the latter half of the 2000’s. He played in 100 games twice and was very good in 2009. Hitting 26 bombs on his way to his first Silver Slugger and a top 10 finish in MVP voting.

Clayton Kershaw

Much like Kemp, the 2000’s were just a stepping stone into what would become a hall of fame worthy career. Making his debut in 2008, the then 20-year-old southpaw got off to a rocky start. Posting a 4.26 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in his rookie year. He followed that up with a good sophomore stint. Improving to a 2.79 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. However, he posted his career high in walks (91) which is still his career high to this day