Dodgers Rumors: Three concerns the fans should recognize
By Evan Lovett
As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue steamrolling opponents during a record-setting season, it is difficult to discern weaknesses on a club that is winning at a .709 clip. However, the latest Dodgers rumors signal there may be weaknesses.
The Dodgers have already reduced their magic number to win the National League West to 28 games, opening up an 18-game lead on the division. They are amongst the leaders in starting pitching, relief pitching, hitting for average, hitting for power and basically every category in the National League.
The Dodgers have the best home record in baseball and the third-best road record in the sport. They have won 46 of their previous 56 games and are pacing to have the best record in franchise history. The team is also a threat to break the all-time single-season record for wins throughout the history of the sport.
The superstars are performing – Justin Turner and Corey Seager are having MVP-caliber seasons. Rookie Cody Bellinger is becoming a bona fide MVP candidate. Chris Taylor has proven to be a revelation as a versatile, productive piece. Yasiel Puig’s renaissance continues, and the duo of Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes are providing the best overall productivity in the league from the backstop position.
Clayton Kershaw was pacing for another top Cy Young finish prior to this minor injury, and Rich Hill, Alex Wood and the newly-acquired Yu Darvish are proving to be the best rotation in baseball. Kenley Jansen is an amazing closer and the duo of Pedro Baez and Brandon Morrow are nearly unhittable as set-up men.
With Dave Roberts masterfully guiding the ballclub and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and hitting coach Turner Ward providing adjustments to players as concerns arise, it is very difficult to pinpoint areas for improvement. Heading into the postseason, however, weaknesses are magnified. And for the Dodgers, under a microscope, the weaknesses are perceptible. Here are the main three: