Los Angeles Dodgers: First half grades for the Boys in Blue
By Evan Lovett
Overall Grade
The Dodgers rank fifth in the Majors in runs scored and OPS. They are first in ERA and OPS allowed. With a solid bullpen and an unquestioned Ace, their pitching staff appears to have the foundation of a team that can go deep into October – if they make a front-end acquisition. Will Jose Quintana or Gerrit Cole be the arm that can push the Dodgers over the top? Will it be Archer or Verlander?
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Or will the front office continue manipulating the disabled list, forcing Roberts to further work his magic? One thing is certain – they need more than five innings per start from more than one pitcher. The bullpen is stout, but the heavy innings workload could lead to a repeat of 2016, when Roberts only had confidence in one reliever down the stretch – Kenley Jansen.
The offense is putting up runs in bunches and with bench depth envied by the 29 other clubs, it looks like the fun is going to continue.
Even with health scares and a litany of injuries, the Dodgers keep on hitting. It is great to watch, even if the makeup of the club remains the same on this side of the ball.
The Dodgers have 53 wins at the halfway point; this augurs well for a deep postseason run. Even misfortune has turned positive for the Dodgers, which is a testament to the coaching staff and Dave Roberts. His steady, enthusiastic guidance has led the team to the second best record in baseball, and there is no reason to believe this team won’t challenge the Brooklyn Bridegrooms organizational record of 104 wins.
But the ultimate goal is the World Series, and as presently composed the Los Angeles Dodgers could be well on their way.
Next: It may be time to call up Alex Verdugo