Dodgers: 3 bizarre Dave Roberts decisions that nearly cost LAD the NLWC

2. Not Making Trea Turner Steal

Trea Turner is the fastest man in MLB … or at least he is right now in this limited playoff field. And it’s not even close.

So when he gets on base TWICE in a do-or-die game, he’s swiping second immediately, right? Right? No, please, tell us that’s right.

Turner got on base in the bottom of the sixth and the bottom of the eighth. Two tailor-made opportunities for the Dodgers to get him into scoring position now that they had finally gotten to the Cardinals bullpen after Adam Wainwright was pulled. With Justin Turner hitting behind him, it was even more of a reason to have Turner going immediately.

But … not even an attempt. And neither at-bat for Justin Turner was short, either. He saw at least four pitches in each one. The window was there, it wasn’t like Turner swung at the first pitch and popped up. In the sixth, it was truly unforgivable to not send the speedster because then Will Smith worked a walk. At least eight pitches had gone by and Turner was still firmly planted on first base.

OK, fine, it doesn’t matter because the Dodgers won, but let’s not make this a habit. Turner being aggressive on the bases gives this stacked team another dynamic element to work with against the game’s best on the biggest stage. His speed needs to be utilized properly and often when he’s able to reach base.