Don’t Worry Dodger Fans, this Year is Different

For the first time in franchise history, the Dodgers have claimed four consecutive National League West titles. 

Yet again, the Los Angeles Dodgers have found a way to fill a spot in the postseason. Smart managerial decision, along with a little help from the Giants, aided Los Angeles to their fourth straight division title. The boys in blue have been a constant presence in the shifting playoff pictures the last four years. Since the Cardinals could not secure a playoff spot, LA is the only team to make the playoffs each of the last four years. Although the Dodgers have boasted regular season consistency, every single team was different from the year before, and that leads to October inconsistency. The players in Los Angeles aren’t granted several years to gel together like the Red Sox, Cubs, or Indians. However despite this, the Dodgers look like a whole new animal. This new animal in Los Angeles can potentially slay the powerhouses of the MLB.

First, Dave Roberts’ managerial decisions this season have been nothing short of genius. When Clayton Kershaw suffered a back injury many baseball analysts wrote the Dodgers out of playoff contention. At the time of the injury, the Dodgers were only six games above .500 and were seven games behind the Giants. Although the ace of the team was hurt, the Dodgers went 37-24 (The equivalent to a 105 win season) and led San Francisco by five games. The reason for this surge not only was the outbreak of our talent, but Dave Roberts masterful managing. In a year where the Dodgers broke the DL record, Dave Roberts has turned minor league pitchers into major league contributors. Nobody was bigger than the team like past years, and everyone understood their role, all because of Dave Roberts.

The depth of the roster has helped make Dave Roberts job easier. In years before, the Dodgers had to rely on three or four big hitters to deliver. Now, the ball is in our court, if someone is under performing there is a talented individual to replace them. Despite other playoff teams bolstering both right and left-handed pitching, Los Angeles still dictates any match-up. Although left-handed pitching has been our downfall, it is far more promising than years prior.

Along with batting depth comes more pitching depth. Although Los Angeles lost Zack Greinke in the off-season, they managed to garner more pitching depth. Instead of our starting rotation consisting of two superstars and three mediocre players, now we have four reliable names to come on and pitch. Kershaw, Hill, and Maeda are shoe-ins, then if a fourth starter is needed rookie Julio Urias or veteran Scott Kazmir can take the mound. Add this to a completely reconstructed bullpen and the chances of a late game meltdown shrinks.

If you look at previous years, the team with the most depth has constantly won the World Series. The 2015 Royals, the several Giants teams, the Red Sox or the Cardinals. Each of these clubs showcased depth, the ability to dictate the ball game based on match ups is key in October, when every pitch counts. In order to shake off the postseason inconsistency, Los Angeles must make the most of every situation. No longer can October mistakes be justified. As long as we show the grit, determination, and resilience that has been present all year, the commissioners trophy can come home to Los Angeles.