Dodgers: The Platoon Players Must Get Hot in October

Left Field

Dave Roberts shifted Chris Taylor from left to center field and demoted Joc Pederson a while ago. Since then, a spot opened up in left field. First, there’s an interesting story about this scenario.

How many years have the Dodgers had too many outfielders? Then some may think of the Andrew Toles injury and wonder what if. But, if Toles didn’t get injured, there probably wouldn’t be a Chris Taylor.

Anyway, the point is there is a spot available now, and it looks like it’s mainly between Curtis Granderson and Kike Hernandez, with Andre Ethier another option.

Granderson was another player struggling significantly in September but has picked it up in the last ten days. He’s 4-11 in the last week. If Granderson gets going, Dodger fans are well aware of how dangerous he can be in October from his time with the Mets.

Kike Hernandez has also hit the ball well in the last week or so of the season. Having Hernandez hitting well against left-handed pitching is absolutely crucial with the Dodgers most-likely facing a left-handed starter in Game 1 of the NLDS.

It’s World Series or bust. Simple as that, no exceptions. 2013, the Dodgers were on an improbable run that ended with more injuries to key players. 2014, the Dodgers were drunk on the fact they were more talented than other teams.

2015, the Dodgers didn’t have enough pieces to complete the picture. Last year, injuries and fatigue caught up with a team that was running on fumes.

This year, this team is poised for a championship run. They have the stars, the DL isn’t worth more than the active payroll and they have the same gritty mentality from last year.

Next: Dodgers: Rich Hill is Flying the Under the Radar

If the main guys perform, and these so-called “other guys” step up, the long-awaited championship is coming back to L.A.