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Dodgers: 1988 Dodgers vs. 2017 Dodgers

By Michael Wittman

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Retired Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Tom Lasorda shakes hands with Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during an Opening Day game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Retired Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Tom Lasorda shakes hands with Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during an Opening Day game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 06: Corey Seager /

Offense

When it comes to comparing the offense, this is where the 2017 Dodgers have a considerable advantage.  If you are a fan of high scoring offense, then you would not have like the 1988 Dodgers.  The 1988 Dodgers had only two hitters belt more than 20 home runs as eventual world series hero Kirk Gibson knocked 25 homers out, and Mike Marshall hit 20 home runs.  Gibson was also the 1988 Dodgers leading hitter with a .290 average.

This year the 2017 Dodgers have Bellinger with 32 home runs already, Puig has 21, and Seager is about to pass the 20 home run plateau as he has 19 home runs.  That’s not to mention Chris Taylor who has 15 and could end up with twenty home runs at his current another worldly pace.  That doesn’t account for Joc Pederson or Justin Turner who both missed time with injuries. Otherwise, they are both usually a lock for twenty or more home runs.  The 2017 squad definitely has the edge in the power department.

The one big advantage the 1988 Dodgers had was the ability to steal bases.  Steve Sax finished 1988 with 42 stolen bases, and to the surprise of many, Kirk Gibson stole 31 bases.  Franklin Stubbs and John Shelby also finished with double digit steals.  On this year’s team, Chris Taylor leads the club with 13 stolen bases, and Yasiel Puig is second with 12 steals.  The 2017 Dodgers are not burners on the base path, but yet they still have ways to manifacture runs.

Edge: The 2017 Dodgers clearly have the edge offensively.  With three hitters batting over .300 and several prolific power hitters, the 2017 Dodgers look like a juggernaut compared to the 1988 team that relied on small ball and scratching runs across.  The 2017 offense could finish with a batting title from Justin Turner, and will most likely have the rookie of the year in Cody Bellinger.

Next: Greatest NL Team... Ever?

Conclusion: The 2017 Dodgers appear to be better overall on paper than the 1988 Dodgers.  As we all know that is why the game is played on the field, so it will be up to the 2017 Dodgers to finish their regular season strong and finish October with a World Series championship. If not, this season will go down as one of the most disappointing Dodger teams in recent memory, maybe ever. Orel Hershiser was known for playoff magic which is something Clayton Kershaw will look to flip the script on this year and lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship since 1988. With all that said, this is a nice debate to have for Dodger fans.

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