Dodgers: 3 Key ways the 2017 Team has improved from 2016

The Dodgers excelled last season because of their outstanding bullpen, ability to hit right-handed pitching, and scoring in the late innings. However, they fell short in the National League Championship Series because the problems they dealt with all season long finally caught up to them.

When it comes to bullpens, the Dodgers are the team to beat. Much of Los Angeles’ success in both 2016 and 2017 is owed to the league-leading bullpen. Kenley Jansen is perfect so far in save chances, Pedro Baez has a sub-1 ERA, and Josh Fields has impressed early on. Unexpected long-relief appearances from Ross Stripling, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Kenta Maeda have also helped give the bullpen plenty of rest.

The Dodgers also have an aptitude for scoring late. The most recent comeback win coming via a six-run eighth inning capped by a Corey Seager grand slam against the Cincinnati Reds.

However, this is what LA has been doing since last year. But, they have made some impressive adjustments to their biggest flaws from 2016.  What are they doing different that will hopefully translate into a deeper run into October?

Starters Going Deeper

Another crucial factor why Los Angeles ran out of gas in the postseason was the fact that the bullpen was overused. In 2016, the Dodgers’ starters finished 29th in innings pitched, with 862. So far in 2017, the Dodgers’ starters are 11th in the majors, with 355 (which is on pace for just under 900 innings). This is the main difference between the Dodgers’ starters last year compared to this year. So far, LA has been keeping up with strikeouts and ERA, as they are in the top five in both categories.

Although the Dodgers haven’t had a set rotation for a while, the starters have been dominant. They lead the league in WHIP and fewest runs scored against. The top three starters: Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, and Brandon McCarthy, all have five wins, ERA’s below 3.30, WHIPs below 1.2, and over 200 strikeouts combined (101 coming from Kershaw).

Rich Hill is also doing fairly well, but on and off injuries have held him back from consistency. Hyun-Jin Ryu and Kenta Maeda have shown glimpses of brilliance but are still up and down. If they get going, the Dodgers would have one of the most dominant rotations in the Majors.

Hitting With Runners in Scoring Position & Two Outs

Hitting with RISP and two outs is something Dodger fans know their team hasn’t been good at in their long history. Last season, they were 28th in the Majors with a .208 average and a .613 OPS. They also finished 25th in runs scored.

It was disheartening to see Los Angeles get a leadoff man on, occasionally  move him over, just to see him stranded in scoring position with two outs. If someone hit a triple with two outs, he might as well trade his helmet for his glove. The inning was over.

However, in 2017 the Dodgers look to be correcting the old tale of “Dem Bums.” They are 13th in the Majors with a .238 average, 12th in runs, and 18th with a .717 OPS. Much better than last year. Additionally, with just RISP in general, they rank within 10-12th in all those categories, showing it doesn’t matter how many outs there are, the runs will come home.

It makes no difference if the Dodgers take their improvements so far and call it a day. There is still more than half a season left to play, and room for things to change for the better or for, the worse.

Next: Chris Taylor Should be the Leadoff Man

If Los Angeles continues to make strides in their improvements, the finished product will spell a very well-rounded team. Also, perhaps a shorter off-season and some more silverware.