Team spirit.

Despite the Dodgers winning their division last year, the team's management proceeded to dismantle the roster by trading away some of the most popular players, including Adrian Beltre and Shawn Green. As a result, many fans and critics expected 2005 to be a rebuilding year, but so far that's hardly been the case. As of late last week, the Dodgers had the best record in baseball. So the Business Journal asks:

Are the Dodgers for real?

Bill Dawson

Graphic Designer/ Creative Director XK9 Design

I don't follow the Dodgers that closely. Everybody claimed that (General Manager Paul) DePodesta was killing the team and got rid of the best players. But he put together a chemistry that is working out pretty well, so far. I think he may have hurt tans' feelings because some of their best-liked players were canned, but he put together a winning combination and people have to like him for that.

Joe Jares

Former writer for Sports Illustrated 

I'm amazed how well they're doing because they didn't make much of an effort to keep their best players. But, they seem to be a better team. I'm shocked. This has been the best start in 30 years. But it's early.

Mara Fein

VP Marketing Pacific Resource Credit Union

I'm an Angel fan and I'm looking forward to seeing the Dodgers and the Angels in the World Series this year. It's easy to be a good team in 13 games. It's a lot tougher for your pitching staff to survive a season. But they're in a weak division, so who knows?

Mike Walden

Former sports announcer

They have exceeded all of my expectations. (Manager Jim) Tracy likes to say "We play 27 outs and every out is precious." They're playing together as a unit and I didn't think they would do that at the beginning. But there's an old cliche in baseball that everything evens out so we'll see. It could be a much different season come July or August.

Yoko Tsuye

Independent wellness consultant

I'm not an avid sports follower but as an optimist and I support the Lakers and the Dodgers. The new management and players look encouraging.

John Saade

Photographer

So far, they're doing great. I think the general manger understood the personnel that he needed without paying the price for it. For example, Adrian Beltre wanted a huge contract. The Dodgers a got a bigger, better bargain with their new third baseman. Their pitching with Jeff Weaver is great. When you're 12-2 at the beginning of the season, you can't complain. But talk to me after game 112. My opinion may change.

Douglas Carden

Partner Foley & Lardner

I think the Dodgers are doing well, but I don't like the reconfiguration of the stadium. I don't like the additional seating on the infield. I'm surprised they're doing so well, all in all. I'm happy the team's choices have worked out as well as they have, for now. It's nice that we have a winning team in Los Angeles.