Dodgers Best Team? MLB Analysts Weigh in on Debate
On Friday, the roundtable discussion over at MLB Network was regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers and whether or not they are the best team in baseball, better than the last two pennant-winning clubs, and how their young core is staging this magical season.
Take a listen here:
Is this the best @Dodgers team of the last three seasons? #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/1t8q2pqiIW
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 15, 2019
Led by Rookies
Eric Byrnes of MLB Network discusses the rookie impact so far this season and how their successes have shaped the identity of the 2019 Dodgers:
“Alex Verdugo is still a rookie. The swag he plays with. He is still on the IL right now, but they keep bringing other guys up. It’s like ‘okay’ here is another great Dodger rookie. Matt Beaty, I mean are we kidding? Alright, now we have Will Smith who is absolutely killing it. So then you think, there are three rookies. Then here comes Carrot Top and a 98 mile per hour fastball to go with it?”
It is truly a feat to watch what the Dodgers have done over the last few years as far as growing their own talent. This rookie class has also yet to include 21-year-old shortstop Gavin Lux and catcher Keibert Ruiz and right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray who could find their way to the big leagues as soon as late 2020.
Third Time is the Charm?
Brian Kenny of MLB Network weighed on whether or not he believed this Dodgers club was the best in franchise history:
“I have a hard time believing it is the greatest Dodgers team of all-time, but it seems like this is a touch better than the last two years and they were still National League champions.”
In response, Harold Reynolds of MLB Network — someone who doubted the Dodgers before the start of the season — gave credit to the Dodgers for their offensive consistency and their approach.
Producing Position Players
Reynolds also proceeded to say some kind words about the Dodgers’ player development:
“I think the big thing now I am seeing is Will Smith, the catcher. We talk about the Astros and what Tampa do with pitching. I think the Dodgers do great with position players.”
He is exactly right. But what he does not acknowledge is the Dodgers and their fantastic development of pitching prospects that rival anyone in the league. Walker Buehler, Julio Urías, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin are all homegrown pitching prospects and are set to make a big impact this season.
Overall
The Dodgers are amazing and that is probably an understatement. This club is better than we have ever seen it and once again, anything short of a World Series victory will be a disappointment.
Take too many offense days off. Good pitching is capable of shutting them down, either that or they take days off when facing good pitching.