Los Angeles Dodgers Beat the Streak Selections — May 1
After one of the roughest Aprils on record, the Dodgers look to bounce back as the calendar turns to May.
When April began, there was vivid hope. The Dodgers were the reigning NLCS Champs. That hasn’t changed, what has changed is the fluctuating levels of hope that fans have throughout a season. Corey Seager is out for the season; Justin Turner is still injured. The bullpen is unrecognizable to those who remember 2017 like it was yesterday.
At the end of the day, April is over. The Dodgers have to start winning, for those wins will bring the postseason back into clearer view.
May is going to be a pivotal month for this team. The Dodgers will play games that they are expected to win, which include six against the Padres, four against the Reds, and three against the Marlins. Then, they’ll play teams that they should end the month with a .500 record against; like the Nationals and the Rockies.
The Dodgers are struggling. They need the kind of boost that can only be provided by elite pitching and an unstoppable offense.
Will May be the month they finally hit their stride? We’ll have to wait and see. Until then, Jason and I make our picks for the first game of May.
Monday’s Picks:
Monday night, Jason stuck with his pick for Sunday, Alex Verdugo. The Dodgers rookie could play a big role in the revitalization of this team in May, and it would come as no surprise if we saw that happen. On Monday, Verdugo went 0-2 versus the Diamondbacks.
I picked Chris Taylor since the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter has shown promise at the plate. With Corey Seager out for the season, Chris Taylor is going to play a vital role on this squad for the rest of the season, and potentially the postseason. Last night, Taylor went 1-5 against Arizona.
Jason’s Pick (Current Streak: Zero): Joc Pederson
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My pick for tonight is Joc Pederson. Typically, selecting a hitter like Pederson is not a good choice in doing Beat the Streak.
In this game, you often want to pick high average guys to ensure your shot at getting a hit. Although he has some power in his bat, Pederson has never been considered a prolific hit-for-average guy.
However, in this dry spell of Dodger baseball, Pederson has shown the most tenacity; the most life and energy. He has had a better approach at the plate and the results have shown.
With Corey Seager out, the rest of the Dodgers have to step it up. Something tells me Pederson is going to be one of those who does
Sarah’s Pick (Current Streak: Four): Yasmani Grandal
My pick for tonight is Yasmani Grandal. After the shock of losing Seager for the season, I have decided to play it safe. Nowadays, that’s Grandal. He’s undoubtedly been the best, most consistent hitter the Dodgers have. As a catcher, he’s guided Dodger pitching through some rough games and has hit well whenever given the chance.
When the season began, I think we all assumed Austin Barnes would be the starting catcher. Now, Barnes and Grandal share the plate as co-starters, getting the job done for the Dodgers behind home.
However, Grandal has made it virtually impossible for Dave Roberts to keep him out of the lineup. Especially now, when the Dodgers desperately need a strong, consistent power hitter, Grandal is the best the Dodgers have (at least until Justin Turner returns.)
Next: Corey Seager Out for the Season
The Diamondbacks have been virtually unstoppable as of late, but I have faith that Grandal can help the Dodgers beat the D-Backs’ elite pitching tonight.