I’ve never looked at the roster of a playoff contender and seen any tough choices to make. I’ve never had to look at a teams outfield, and figure out who should play left field because usually there’s a clear answer. Not for the 2017 Dodgers. In the postseason, managers want to put their “A-Team” on the field, the problem is, the Dodgers have quite a few combinations of a championship caliber team, but it’s the best problem to have — it’s why they’re likely to succeed in the 2017 playoffs.
Let me start off by saying that this postseason will not be a repeat of last October for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are far stronger than they were in 2016, and that is as clear as it’s ever been. They’re 89-35 — far and away the best record in baseball. Dodger fans know better than anyone that 2016 ended in defeat. Clayton Kershaw had made almost every start on short rest. The Los Angeles offense, as good as it was, could not keep up with the stellar offense of the Chicago Cubs — the offense that went on to win the 2016 World Series.
Continue reading “Why the 2017 Playoffs Will Be Different for the Los Angeles Dodgers”
For as long as I can remember, the Dodgers and the Giants have been fighting for first place in the National League West. I’ve grown up with the certainty that as good as the Dodgers are, the Giants will always be close behind, but that is simply no longer true. The 2017 Dodgers have proven that they are the team to beat not only in the West but all of baseball.
Continue reading “The 2017 Dodgers Are Setting a New Standard for the National League West”
Last year, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years. Last year, they proved that they were a force to be reckoned with. They were the best team in baseball, but a lot can change in a year. The Cubs are still strong — there is no doubt about that — but ask any baseball fan and they’ll tell you that this year the best team in the bigs is not the World Champion Cubs, but rather the Boys out West. This year, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the best team in baseball. This year, they’ve become one of the best teams in the history of the game.
Continue reading “Finally, the Dodgers Are Built to Win a World Series”
Think Blue Planning Committee 