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

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June 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) hits a single in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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