Dodgers: This is the year the Dodgers bring the World Series back to LA
The 88th MLB All-Star Game has come and gone with the Dodgers in great standing as they head into the second half.
The Dodgers had the most players in this year’s All-Star Game with six selections and were at top of the media coverage as the favorite to reach the World Series out of the National League.
Which makes sense why many would think that the Dodgers are the team to beat. The Dodgers have the best record in MLB and are clicking on all cylinders.
Clayton Kershaw is having a superb year and on pace for another CY Young Award leading the NL in wins, winning percentage and IP, while second in SO, ERA and WHIP.
The starting rotation behind Kershaw is probably the best its been in years with the entire rotation giving good performances from one start to the other. As the starting rotation has the most wins and best AVG, ERA and WHIP in the MLB.
Corey Seager (.298) and Justin Turner (.377) are leading the offensive push with the two best AVG on the team and Cody Bellinger who is fifth in the MLB in HR.
The defense is still top notch leading the NL in DER and depth of the Dodgers is probably the key factor to the continuity on the field.
Austin Barnes, Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez have given the Dodgers flexibility around the whole field and have become valuable options as pinch hitters.
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The bullpen has been consistently lights out since the start of the season with the best bullpen in the NL all season long and currently have the best ERA in the NL.
Right now, the World Series is looking like an Astros and Dodgers matchup as both have complete teams that can outmatch anyone in their leagues.
If the Dodgers continue the success from the first half of the season and continue to outperform teams on a nightly basis like they’ve done since the start of June posting a record of 28-8 .
Then the Dodgers should glide into the postseason and have an opportunity to crush their postseason demons of the past three seasons; finally bringing back the long-awaited World Series title back to Los Angeles.
Next: Vin Scully's voice is still being heard
Every year we see the hopes of Dodger fans rise up as the Fall Classic approaches, only to see them dwindle in defeat. However, this will be the year that the Dodgers break their own 29 year curse.