Trending Up, Trending Down: Dodgers’ First Half Of 2015 Season
First Half MVPs
Justin Turner: After posting a stellar .897 on-base plus slugging percentage in 2014, Turner has amazingly exceeded that mark thus far (.915 OPS in 247 plate appearances).
Initially beginning the season as a utility player, he has worked his way into a starting role and thrived in the opportunity. In 55 games as a starter, Turner has put up an unreal slash line of .323/.393/.554 in 219 plate appearances with above-average defense at third base.
Zack Greinke: Coming off an excellent 2014 campaign in which he pitched to a 2.71 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 202.1 innings, Greinke has not only outperformed those numbers — he’s historically outperforming them.
Making 18 starts in the first half, only once did he allow more than three earned runs (five runs in six innings at Coors Field on June 2) — ultimately equating to a phenomenal 1.39 ERA in 123.1 innings pitched. Additionally, his minuscule WHIP of just 0.84 and 102-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio are among the league leaders in those categories.
As a result, National League manager Bruce Bochy elected Greinke as the starting pitcher for the NL All-Stars and he went on to strike out four batters in two innings — becoming the first starting pitcher to do so since Pedro Martinez in 1999.
Kenley Jansen: Since being activated from the disabled list in mid-May, Jansen has continued to be one of the best relievers in baseball.
In 21.2 innings pitched, he’s accumulated a 1.66 ERA and even better 1.05 FIP while striking out 38 batters. In addition, he has allowed just 10 hits and issued two walks — good for a ridiculously low 0.55 WHIP.
CONTINUE READING: Breakout Candidates For Second Half Of 2015 Season
