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Dodgers: 5 Obstacles That Stand in the Way of Winning a World Series

By Anthony Perez

Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (right) watches from the dugout during the eight inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (right) watches from the dugout during the eight inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers
Apr 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) celebrates after scoring in the first inning against the San Diego Padres during a MLB baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Decline of Adrian Gonzalez

It’s no secret that Gonzo is a fan favorite around LA, and he will continue to be for the remaining length of his contract. Another not so well kept secret is that Gonzalez is declining, and 2017 may be the year where it hurts the team the most.

The 34-year-old’s decline started last year when he saw his OPS fall under .800 for the first time since 2008. He also saw his power decline, as he hit less than 20 home runs for the first time in five years. The numbers aren’t looking good for A-Gon and 2017 may bring the steepest slide yet.

Adrian’s ability to stay on the field is also hard to deal with, as Dave Roberts will aim to give him multiple off-days each week. Despite his decline, he is a big part of this team, as a leader and player, while also being a much-needed presence on the field.

Adrian Gonzalez’s decline is not like many others; he has gone from an elite first baseman to a slightly above-average one, and that is good enough for the team, as Cody Bellinger works to get a spot in LA. But, if Adrian declines faster than we foresee, he may be a detriment to the Dodgers’ World Series hopes.

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