The Los Angles Dodgers (LAD) have incredulously failed to claim the world series trophy in back-to-back attempts and it’s been always: “we’ll get them next year”. They’re now 31 seasons into mockery since their last title, in which they’ve only been able to celebrate division titles.
With certain critical players approaching ‘Father Time’, the Dodgers have now a small window to finally end their dry spell. This team is complied with exceeding talent and has no excuse to endure a third consecutive loss in the world series. The Dodgers pitching is collectively a forefront to combat even the most powerful hitting in baseball.
According to ESPN, the Dodgers have three starting pitchers that land in the top-15 wins group, specifically two in the top-3. In the top-8 Earned Run Average (ERA), the Dodgers maintain three players, with starting pitcher (SP) Hyun-Jin Ryu holding the coveted top spot along a 1.53 ERA.
Superstar Clayton Kershaw has had some of the lowest times during the postseason and hasn’t been able to end the stigma of being a losing playoff pitcher. He’s now 31, having a great (11- 2) 2019 season, but it’s all about longevity as this point.
Walker Buehler is now a second year player, who’s slowly eclipsing his teammates as potentially the face of the pitching rotation. He as a 160 total strikeouts (SO) and 10 total wins per ESPN. He’s currently in the shadow of Dodger greats (SP) Kershaw and relieve pitcher (RP) Kenley Jansen, but soon enough with his continuous efforts he will likely break-out as the Dodgers go-to pitcher in the postseason.
On offense, the Dodgers produce an array of scoring efforts. Right Fielder (RF) Cody Bellinger is top-5 in home runs (HR) with 37, top-7 in Runs Batted In (RBI) at 88, top-7 in batting average (AVG) at .315, second in slugging percentage (SLG) with a .653 total, and second in on base percentage (OBP) at .416, according to ESPN MLB Player Batting Stats. He’s shooting for the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) title against reigning (MVP) Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers (MIL).
Bellinger has been the offense power that the Dodgers have consistently needed to win late games.
Along with him, first baseman Max Muncy (1B) has 28 (HR)s and 76 (RBI) to help carry the load. Third basemen (3B) Justin Turner is once again top-3 in total hits for the Dodgers adding leverage over most other role players in the league. Center Fielder (CF) Alex Verdugo has come onto the scene swinging for the fences, allowing the Dodgers to pat themselves on the back for maintaining such a talented farm system.
Second baseman (2B) Enrique Hernandez, Left Fielder (LF) Joc Pederson have both tirelessly kept themselves prevalent over the years as clutch players. They both proceed with high morale and definitive play when their numbers are called up. They’ve given L.A. an identity through the lows of losing streaks and lost chances.
Shortstop (SS) Corey Seager is back from Tommy John surgery this year and has found his way back through the 93 games he’s played. He’s battled hamstring and other injuries that have kept him from being 100% on the short-term. Although, in his last 10 games he has six hits, nine runs, and one (RBI). Currently, his totals rank at 9 (HR)s, 47 (RBI), .340 (OBP), and with a .262 (AVG) per ESPN.
Seager and Pederson are the first of these farm system players to build the new identity the Dodgers had desperately needed, They deserve credibility for the Dodgers’ new outlook and new profound respect around the league.
When a team produces substantial offense and defense, they should be a powerhouse. However, the Dodgers let inconsistent play decide their destiny.
The Dodgers have been humbled enough to taste winning and should be ready to end the dry spell this year. With the consistent factors of play calling from Dave Roberts, the Dodgers are the team to beat.
Whether it’s the New York Yankees (NYY), Houston Astros (HOU), Minnesota Twins (MIN), or Chicago Cubs (CHI) the Dodgers can win any series as long as they stay patient. That’s patience in the box, on the mound, in the dugout, or in the bullpen.
