Editorials

Dodgers Midseason Report Card: Lineup Fights Inconsistency

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Yasmani Grandal
Stats: .282/.401/.526, 10 doubles, 14 home runs, 36 RBIS, 42 BB, 49 K
Advanced Stats: .927 OPS, .401 wOBA, 162 wRC+, 2.7 WAR



The coveted offseason acquisition definitely has made his presence felt. In what can only be described as a steal, the 26-year-old came from the San Diego Padres in the Matt Kemp trade, but certainly has made his name the headliner. In his first season in Dodger blue, the Cuban catcher was selected to his first All-Star team. Over the past few seasons, Dodgers fans haven’t been accustomed to seeing this kind of production from behind the plate.

Grandal does have the tendency to allow a few passed balls here and there, but his ability to gun down runners attempting to steal has been a bonus. The third-year player has almost double the amount of runners caught stealing compared to last season. His sudden connection with Zack Greinke has been a key, seeing as how Greinke has repeatedly complimented Grandal and the two have been together during Greinke’s scoreless inning streak. With production like what he did in the first half, it is no wonder why the Dodgers’ front office was so set on getting Grandal in the first place.

Grade: A

Adrian Gonzalez
Stats: .283/.355/.520, 23 doubles, 18 home runs, 55 RBIS, 33 BB, 54 K
Advanced Stats: .875 OPS, .373 wOBA, 143 wRC+, 2.5 WAR

The 33-year-old should be considered the trademark foundation of what consistency is about. The Gold-Glove winning first baseman displays his overall intelligence and understanding of the game on a consistent basis. The 11-year-veteran is the clubhouse guy that players look up to and ask advice from, but he isn’t showing any signs of aging. Gonzalez’s production from the plate has set himself up for another 100 RBI season and his clutch hitting has saved the Dodgers multiple times.

The Mexico native was selected to his first All-Star game as a Dodger this season and adores Chavez Ravine and all it has to offer. Gonzalez has his highest on-base percentage he has had in his tenure with the Dodgers, thus giving the opportunity for the players behind him to be able to produce runs. While his speed may not be an asset, his overall meaning and presence to the Dodgers is worth much more.

Grade: A-

Howie Kendrick
Stats: .292/.343/.416, 16 doubles, seven home runs, 37 RBIs, 24 BB, 62 K
Advanced Stats: .758 OPS, .332 wOBA, wRC+ 115, 1.5 WAR

The more low-key offseason acquisition of 2015 has been anything but that during his first season as a Dodger. Just like Jimmy Rollins, Kendrick is the ultimate professional, meaning that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. The 32-year-old’s spot in the lineup has flustered throughout the entirety of the 2015 campaign, but Mattingly seems to have found the spot that makes the most sense. Kendrick has been thriving in the two slot, while still proving to be a fitting partner with Rollins up the middle of the infield. Part of why the Dodgers have the highest fielding percentage in the National League is due to connection between the two elderly players up the middle and their knack for the game of baseball.

Although Kendrick is slated to be a free agent this offseason, the second baseman is committed to winning in Los Angeles. Look for Kendrick to continue his consistent play throughout the second half of the season.

Grade: B

Justin Turner
Stats: .308/.377/.538, 16 doubles, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, 17 BB, 40 BB
Advanced Stats: .915 OPS, .395 wOBA, 158 wRC+, 2.9 WAR

Coming off of a career-defining season, not many would have thought that Turner would be able to continue that production; however, the 30-year-old has proved them and the New York Mets wrong. Once the Juan Uribe trade was made official, it allowed for Turner to be announced as the everyday third baseman, deservingly so. Considered by most to be an All-Star snub, the California native has shined as the three-hole hitter. His ability to consistently make contact is astounding, with his leg-kick motion allowed him to drive the ball. The 6-year-veteran is already tied for the most home runs he has had in a season and his defensive fielding and positional adjustment through this point of the season is a career high.

Mattingly has stated previously that they do not want to overuse Turner and that four games in a row is the threshold they usually abide by. By proving all his doubters wrong, Turner has shined under the light of Los Angeles and doesn’t take for granted the opportunity he was provided.

Grade: A

Jimmy Rollins
Stats: .213/.266/.338, 13 doubles, eight home runs, 29 RBIs, 23 BB, 50 K
Advanced Stats: .604 OPS, .267 wOBA, 70 wRC+, -0.3 WAR

Entering his 15th season in the Major Leagues, there wasn’t much else that could be said about Jimmy Rollins. The California native demonstrated his professionalism and winning attitude since he was given the choice to be traded to the Dodgers. The 36-year-old’s production at the plate has been inconsistent, but that shouldn’t be the only thing being measured. His veteran role to aid the younger players like Puig has no true value.

Although he did start off the season by committing an abundance of errors, his fielding and defensive value have been above-par. The goal of the Dodgers to sure up the defensive miscues have been evident, as the team leads the National League in fielding percentage and in fewest errors committed. His baseball I.Q. will serve strongly once the postseason approaches.

Grade: C

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