2020 World Series: Where Do The Dodgers Stand?
This is a must-win World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Does this sound familiar? It should be, as it has been discussed many times over the years. The statement continues to be made about by media, fans, and everyone in between. Manager Dave Roberts has even stated it is their title to lose. He’s not wrong, as the Dodgers are looking to win their first World Series since 1988 during the team’s third trip to the Fall Classic in four years.
Thanks to COVID-19, the MLB season was shortened. The Dodgers, however, didn’t seem affected. Motivated, they were able to come back and beat the Braves in the NLCS to advance. Now, with their players healthy and Mookie Betts leading the charge, a loss would be devastating.
It is not accurate to say that this World Series is the last stand for the Dodgers. As one of the most lucrative teams in all of sports, the door will always be open for the team when it comes to the playoffs. However, this year the Dodgers have something to prove more than ever before. With Dave Roberts as team manager, the Dodgers have won five NL West titles, own a .615 winning percentage, and have gone to the World Series three times. Just making it, however, is not enough for a team that is built for greatness.
One of the best pitchers of the regular season, Clayton Kershaw needs to shut down the postseason blues. His over 4.00 ERA in the playoffs has been a detriment to the Dodgers’ quest. That, along with the Dodgers’ bats staying silent for several games over the years, must change for a different result. The thought of losing to a cheating Astros team and the Red Sox over the years will always be on their minds. This year is all about redemption.
Some of their best players will be free agents after this season; Justin Turner, Joc Pederson, Pedro Baez, and Kike Hernandez. They will still have the likes of Betts, A.J. Pollack, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Kershaw, and Julio Urias. When it comes to free agency, you know the Dodgers will be two steps ahead of everyone else. However, the Dodgers have had top talent and high numbers before and haven’t come out on top.
Last year, the Dodgers’ .279 average was ranked fourth as well as the team’s RBI (861) and SLUG (.472). They still lost to the World Series-winning Nationals. The Dodgers are on an incredible run but have nothing to show for it. They are not the only team to suffer like this. The Texas Rangers went 279–207 from 2010–2012 with two World Series appearances. With rosters that had Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero, Cliff Lee, C.J. Wilson, Nelson Cruz, and Adrian Beltre, the Rangers could not get the job done. The Detroit Tigers had arguably the best rotation in baseball in 2012 with Doug Fister, Rick Porcello, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander. They, however, could not take down the Giants.
Minus a few small mistakes, Dave Roberts has been able to properly manage his team. If they do not win the big one once again, however, this may be his last time wearing a Dodger uniform.
As of now, SportsLine has the Dodgers as -160 favorites over the young Tampa Bay Rays. Both teams, ranked the top two teams in Rob Manfred’s much-talked-about playoff format, will feature some of the best teams in all of baseball. Can the Dodgers’ over $170 million roster take down the Rays, who pay over $53 million?
If their confidence remains consistent and their play doesn’t falter, we could end up seeing Dodgers in 6.
Who do you have winning the World Series?
