Now that the Dodgers have signed Manny Ramirez, everyone in the media believes they are favorites to win the National League West. The Dodgers are definitely the strongest team in their division, but they have starting pitching problems that need to be addressed.

In the past, it seemed that every baseball fan understood that pitching wins championships. However, during the 1990s and the early 2000s, when offense ruled baseball, many people forgot the importance of pitching.

Over my time of watching the Dodgers, I have seen pitching win many championships. A few days ago on MLB Network, the broadcasters who were previewing the Dodgers said that the organization has had the best pitching in baseball history. Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax dominated the National League during the 1960s, enabling the Dodgers to win two World Series championships. I know the Dodgers wouldn't have won the 1988 World Series without the brilliance of Orel Hershiser, Tim Leary, and Tim Belcher.

Even when Los Angeles didn't go to the playoffs, its pitching provided excitement. In 2003, the Dodgers had the best pitching in baseball. Hideo Nomo, Kevin Brown and Odalis Perez tried to make up for offensive shortcomings.

Dodger Stadium is a pitcher's dream. Though in recent years the ballpark's foul territory has been decreased, pitchers love to throw there. Its spacious dimensions and heavy damp night air make it difficult for hitters to hit home runs. This makes what Ramirez did last year with the Dodgers special.

After last season, the Dodgers lost eight pitchers to free agency. Ned Colletti and Joe Torre believe they have four solid starters. This spring they have searched for a fifth starter, but they haven't found one yet.

On Wednesday Torre named Hirodi Kuroda as the Dodgers' Opening Day pitcher. Kuroda skipped an opportunity to pitch for his native Japan in the World Baseball Classic because he wanted to build shoulder strength to prevent tendinitis. He has had a wonderful Spring Training. Although he is entering only his second season in the National League, he is a 10-year veteran. He pitched well for the Dodgers in 2008, especially in the playoffs.

During the offseason, Chad Billingsley, who won the most games for the Dodgers in 2008, broke his leg. After two dismal starts against the Phillies, people worried about Billingsley's confidence. However, this spring he has pitched well. He has a new maturity that will help him to be the ace of the Dodgers' rotation. Billingsley probably will be the starter at the Dodgers' home opener, a great honor for the young man.

Although the Dodgers lost three starting pitchers this offseason, Colletti signed only Randy Wolf to a Major League contract. It is Wolf's second stint with the Dodgers. He didn't do that well the first time because he had a shoulder injury that required surgery. Last year he pitched well with the Houston Astros. This spring Wolf didn't allow a run until his most recent outing. He brings needed experience to a young starting rotation.

Clayton Kershaw, 21, has struggled at times this spring, but his last two outings have been great. Though he has a fantastic fastball, his best pitch is a devastating curve. Sometimes pitchers who rely on curves need more time to get ready for the season than their counterparts do. Kershaw is still learning control and how to pitch. He will be good at times during this season, but at other times he will struggle. I think he might be better off going to the Minor Leagues for April and then coming to the Dodgers, but the team doesn't have that luxury.

Jason Schmidt is healthy and able to pitch, but he won't be ready for Opening Day. Although Colletti invited many veteran starters to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation, none has claimed it. The Dodgers may decide on Claudio Vargas as their fifth starter, but he hasn't pitched well. James McDonald didn't allow a run in three innings on Saturday. I would like to see this young pitcher start for Los Angeles every five days. I know he will struggle, but he will learn. I won't like watching an older pitcher, who has never been that good, struggle.

The Dodgers have built their reputation on having great pitching, but this year they have questions in their starting rotation. I feel the team will go as far as their rotation will carry them. It will be interesting to see how their pitchers do.