Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_36 (pick VARCHAR, year VARCHAR, team VARCHAR, position VARCHAR)

### Question ###
What is the total pick number of the los angeles dodgers, which has a lhp position before 1979?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(pick) FROM table_name_36 WHERE team = "los angeles dodgers" AND position = "lhp" AND year < 1979