Dodgers Nation Poll Results: Fans See Plenty of Room for Improvement
Rooting for the Dodgers has been an emotional let down for many fans this season. We decided to put a finger on the current pulse of Dodgers Nation with a series of twitter polls earlier this week. The questions posed focused on fans’ opinions of Dave Roberts, Dodger hitters, the starting rotation, the bullpen and the front office. The results are featured below.
Dave Roberts
When a talent filled team underperforms like the Dodgers have this season, the blame can quickly fall on the skipper. While a select few fans have called for Roberts firing online, the majority of poll respondents either approve or are undecided concerning his performance this season.
Do approve of Dave Roberts job so far this season? #Dodgers #DNApprovalRatingsReport
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 22, 2018
Of course, Roberts’ performance should not be immune to criticism. No stone should go unturned when it comes to figuring out how to turn this team around. However, it’s doubtful he deserves the type of second-guessing found in Forbes last week. Roberts’ first two seasons as Dodgers manager resulted in and Manager of the Year award, and a National League pennant. It seems he has earned a bit of leeway with that brief resume.
The Offense
The Dodgers lineup has been picking up its production lately, but fans are still wary. In our poll, the Dodgers bats earned a solid C, but not without a significant chunk of voters failing them outright.
What grade do you give the Dodgers Offense so far this season? #Dodgers #DNApprovalRatingsReport
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 22, 2018
It was almost nauseating watching the Dodgers languish with RISP over two series that should have been cakewalks. That nausea has subsided a bit since then with a sweep of the Nationals and a series win against the Rockies. The offense played no small part in those wins. We’ll see if they can improve their grade.
The Starters
Minus the injuries, the Dodgers starting rotation has been a rare bright spot this season. That’s reflected in the results of this poll, which at least comparatively, has a more favorable distribution.
What grade do you give the Dodgers Starting Pitching so far this season? #Dodgers #DNApprovalRatingsReport
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 22, 2018
Dodgers starters have combined to throw 20 Quality Starts this year. 10 of those belong to Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood, both of whom own a record of 1-4. Certainly, a dead offense and a struggling bullpen share a significant portion of blame for not capitalizing on solid starts. Kenta Maeda has rebounded from a rough start of the season and has truly shined in his last two outings. Rookie Walker Buehler has lived up to expectations as well, offering hope for the future of this team.
The Bullpen
The distribution of this poll is almost identical to that of the offense. 51% of fans have given the Dodgers relief squad a C. A smaller but significant portion has given the ‘pen an F so far, and they may have some very valid reasoning.
What grade do you give the Dodgers Bullpen so far this season? #Dodgers #DNApprovalRatingsReport
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 22, 2018
The Dodgers bullpen is responsible for a combined 11 blown saves. They’ve blown as many saves as they’ve recorded. Take those 11 games back and the Dodgers would have the best record in the National League. Heck, just take half of them back and they’re at the top of the division. Some serious improvements are going to have to be made to improve the bullpen’s rating.
The Front Office
No response got a higher proportion of votes in all of these polls than the “no” in this one. 55% of respondents do not approve of the work the front office has done so far, with another 27% left undecided.
Do you approve of the #Dodgers Front Office work this season so far? #DNApprovalRatingsReport
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 22, 2018
There is an ongoing debate as to what the proper course of action is for team executives. Should the Dodgers go after a big bat to bolster the lineup? Or should they stay conservative with their transactions, not losing sight of the team’s future beyond this season? Whatever Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi decide to do, the only thing that will probably increase their approval rating is if the Dodgers keep winning.
What do you think of these poll results? Would you adjust your personal ratings of this team’s outlook based on their recent performance? Comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @DodgersNation.
JACOB—–HELLO——I’M A DODGER FAN SINCE 1955…..YES INDEED——-1ST —A SHOUT OUT TO ..ANDREW TOLES—26 YEARS OLD TODAY MAY 24 TH,2018—HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND——A ROSTERED 40 MAN MEMBER–ON THE DL SINCE APRIL 14, 2018—–HE WAS HITTING .462- 12 FOR 26..CLIP WHEN A HAMSTRING TOOK PLACE——ALL THIS TIME WAITING TO CLOSE THE SHOW FOR OUR 2018 L.A. DODGERS—HIS LINE DRIVES AND POWERFUL HOME RUNS CAN BRING US BACK TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP AND COULD WIN US A GAME 7 THIS TIME AROUND IN THE WORLD SERIES
—AGAIN HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW TOLES—-WE ALL KNOW YOU BLEED DODGER BLUE!