Dodgers Struggles and Confidence are Reflected in Latest Power Rankings
It’s Monday, so that means power rankings. We haven’t done this in two weeks. Despite NFL in full swing, we’re not doing any Monday morning quarterbackng, we’re looking at MLB’s power rankings for the week.
We gave the intern the keys. How did they do? https://t.co/BA6zKjcSI4 pic.twitter.com/6ONlH5zSCB
— MLB (@MLB) September 9, 2019
Number 3 May Even Be Too Generous…
It’s funny how even good results skew how appearances make us feel. After losing two straight to the Giants at home, this week had a rough feeling. The Dodgers went 4-2 though, and for most teams that’s a decent week. The zoomed out view though, reveals some problems.
Since August 14th, the Dodgers have gone 11-10, while the Atlanta Braves have gone 17-3. The Dodgers only have a 3.5 game lead for the best record in the National League. Sweeping Colorado almost feels like a distant memory. The Dodgers 2018 boom or bust offense appears to have reared its ugly head. The Dodgers starting pitching has been fairly miserable. Perhaps it’s merely “a case of the Mondays.” Perhaps it’s just the grind of a long season. Or it could be how good the Astros, Yankees, and Braves appear to be.
Luckily, There’s a Lot Of Upside
Despite the few ugly bumps, there has been good things to take from all of this, as well. The bullpen has performed pretty well, outside of some Jansen-esque issues. The bullpen allowed zero runs to the Giants in two straight games. Had it not been for Dylan Floro giving up 2 runs Friday night, it would have been 3 straight games. Caleb Ferguson appears to have found his curveball, which has made his fastball relevant again. Casey Sadler and Adam Kolarek have been doing their jobs.
With the bats, Corey Seager found the long ball after a small slump. Max Muncy should be returning soon. On top of all that, the Dodgers still appear poised for an extended October. With a trip to Baltimore and a visit for 3 games against the Mets, next week’s Power Rankings and overall mood could be much different.
That ‘boom or bust’ offense has reared its ugly head, as evidenced that we may still be playing Sunday’s game had the Dodgers not hit 2 HR’s that accounted for all their scoring. No matter the HR’s they won’t come as frequent if at all in October and we all can figure out the reason why.
Have you ever noticed that the teams that win the World Series play the same 7 or 8 guys in the same position just about every night? Take the Astros two years ago and the Red Sox last year. Betts wasn’t in right one night, center the next, at first base the third night. Wedging Pollock into left or Kiki into right/center/2nd or Beatty at third does nothing for momentum going into the playoffs. I realize the starters need rest at this period of the season but, based on how poorly the team has played the last month, something needs to change.
Chris, that is one reason why a WS probably won’t be within reach this year. You are so right about those last 2 WS winners but no matter what, Roberts will continue to do this same shuffling around as he has done since he’s been here, WS or no WS….
AZUL and Chris, you are absolutely correct. Unless and until Dave Roberts comes to his senses and starts putting forth a set lineup, a WS championship resembles a dim light at the end of a subway tunnel : its due to arrive, but no one knows when!!!! Go Blue!!!
BLUE LOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greetings from myself and PD JR. And he was a bit restless last night with no Dodger game on but he did enjoy the Pirates coming from behind to beat the Giants! Take a look at today’s lineup against a LHP so if anyone expected a similar lineup as the one the day before might be disappointed. Dodgers play the Orioles but they don’t or haven’t done much at all against Ty Blach.