Are the 2016 Dodgers As Good As the 1988 Dodgers?
Los Angeles Dodgers’ former pitcher, Orel Hershiser talked with AM 570 Tuesday, Oct. 4 and he made some headlines. Hershiser said he felt the 2016 Dodgers squad has the 1988 feel yet they have a “stunt roster.” Many Dodgers players had to fill in multiple spots throughout the season due to injuries.
The Dodgers are starting off the NLDS great and everyone could see how much they care about winning a championship. Hershiser mentioned that this part of the postseason is the “sprint phase of the marathon.”
When the Dodgers travel back home with a 2-0 lead or 1-1 tie, so they are going to look good either way. There were many people that did not believe that Clayton Kershaw could not improve on his postseason record.
Lets break down which players Hershiser touched based on:
- Acquiring Chase Utley last year and playing in spring training
- Utley mentoring Corey Seager
- Justin Turner turning from a bench player into a star
- Adrian Gonzalez never wanting to get out of the lineup and having a great second half of the season
The difference on this team is Andre Ethier because he “forced” himself onto this postseason roster. His injuries, of course, got the best of him but he has the character that attract others.
Hershiser believed that Yasiel Puig will be the player to heat up in the postseason. We all know that there will be pressure on Puig due to his under par season. All Dodgers fans know that all he needs to do is relax and play normal.
The Dodgers have started a different “culture” within the organization and here are some of the reasons why:
- Choosing the right players
- Promoting the players that have the right character
- First-year manager Dave Roberts
Roberts was mentioned to be a middle manager where he is the players’ coach. In 1988, Tommy Lasorda had an unique style that is on another spectrum.
[graphiq id=”gd2PrlyMsyV” title=”Tommy LaSorda Timeline” width=”600″ height=”663″ url=”https://sw.graphiq.com/w/gd2PrlyMsyV” link=”http://celebrities.prettyfamous.com/l/1717757/Tommy-LaSorda” link_text=”PrettyFamous | Graphiq” frozen=”true”]Dave Roberts vs. Tommy Lasorda
| Dave Roberts | Tommy Lasorda | |
| Age | 44 | 60 |
| Season Record | 91-71, 1st in NL West | 94-67, 1st in NL West |
| Experience as Manager | 0 years | 11 years |
| Result | ? | World Series Championship |
Roberts is giving hope for the Dodgers community with his charisma and brilliant managing. At one point in time, fans did not approve of his decisions but look where the Dodgers are now? After the way he has stood behind his decisions one can’t help but respect him for it.
As Vin Scully said in the 1988 World Series:
“In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.”
The only question that who will be the Dodgers’ hero like Kirk Gibson was in 1988?
Do you think the ’16 Dodgers have what it takes to be as good as the ’88 Dodgers? Comment below?
