Brandon League: A bright spot in The Shaky Dodger Bullpen

Two and a half months ago, I wrote an article expressing my dislike for a certain Dodger player as I wrote 425 words why he should not be in a Dodger uniform for the 2014 season. With yet another strong performance this month, I (along with most of Dodger Nation) would like to publically apologize to Mr. Brandon League for my actions in the past couple of months.

Apr 21, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brandon League (43) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. The Phillies defeated the Dodgers 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon League has been one of the bright spots of the Dodger bullpen this year with a 1.32 era in 27.1 innings pitched. When you look at his numbers you wonder why he couldn’t pitch like this last year. 16 consecutive scoreless appearances, 22 scoreless innings, and hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 15^th. If you take out League’s awful appearances in Arizona and San Francisco on April 12^th and 15^th, he would have an era of 0.00. After last year, Brandon League was by far the most hated player on the Dodgers roster and he didn’t help himself during spring training when he gave up five runs in 3 2/3 innings. With his $27.5 contract, it seemed like League was getting close to being released.

League has the lowest era on the team and would be the closer if Kenley Jansen went on the DL. League has regained control of his sinker and slider and they look similar to his 2011 form when he had 37 saves for the Seattle Mariners. Most of League’s appearances this year have been when the Dodgers are losing, a move that allowed him to regain his confidence by pitching in low-pressure situations. But with the Dodgers relievers struggling, League’s role could expand into the 8^th inning setup man with Chris Perez and Brian Wilson both struggling.

I hope you forgive us Mr. League and keep doing what your doing.