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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 shortstop Corey Seager (5) rounds third base to score 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 Sophomore Slumps

2016 was the year of rookies, as Corey Seager took home Rookie of the Year honors and Kenta Maeda found himself in third place. This year, these two have secured their spots on the roster and are important parts of the team’s success. If they cannot replicate last year’s success, this team will be in in trouble.

Since being drafted in 2012, Corey Seager has been hyped up as the next big Dodgers’ shortstop. When he broke onto the scene last season, he more than exceeded expectations, as he carried a .308 batting average and homered 26 times. Along the way, he picked up a few MVP votes, a Silver Slugger award, and was the unanimous Rookie of the Year.

So far Corey hasn’t shown signs of a sophomore slump, as he has started the season 10 for 35 with two home runs and four doubles. The season has started off well for Corey, but there is a lot of baseball to play, and there’s a possibility he disappoints us.

Kenta Maeda had an entirely different path to the Dodgers than Corey Seager. After spending seven seasons with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan’s NPB league, Maeda made his way to LA and pitched well during his “rookie” season. The 29-year-old went 16-11 and held a 3.48 ERA during his first year in the United States, which earned him some Rookie of the Year votes. This season hasn’t started off too hot for Maeda, as he has struggled in his first two starts. He’s given up seven earned runs in 10 innings.

What is even more worrisome is Maeda’s issue with stamina has reared its head again. Kenta is a solid pitcher and an important part of the Dodgers’ rotation. But, if his stamina issues continue, we may be in for a long season.

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