Why the Dodgers Won the West

Depth, Depth, Depth

With all the injuries mentioned above, plus all the other minor ones not mentioned, the depth of the Dodgers roster has been a huge component to their success. Both the rotation and the starting lineup has been decimated at times, but thankfully there have been capable backups to fill the gaps.

Starting with the rotation, injuries to Brandon McCarthy and Hyun Jin Ryu left the rotation exposed. However, Mike Bolsinger (who just gave up a two run shot to Matt Duffy) and Carlos Frias filled in admirably to combine for 11 wins until reinforcements in the form of Alex Wood and Mat Latos arrived at the trade deadline.

On the other side of the ball, any conversation about depth has to start with Enrique Hernandez. The kid who can play anywhere, Hernandez is far from your typical utility man. In somewhat limited action this year, Hernandez has hit .316 with 7 HR, one of which a 430 foot shot of Madison Bumgarner in the clincher. He is 4-7 with a HR since returning from the DL.

Also of note, are young phenom Corey Seager, Scott Van Slyke, Alex Guerrero, Justin Ruggiano, Carl Crawford and A.J Ellis. All of the above players have provided above average production off the bench this year, and are a major weapon going into the postseason.

These are just three of the reasons the Dodgers have won the NL West for the third year in a row but without them we may not be celebrating.