Los Angeles Dodgers Beat the Streak Selections — May 17
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to avoid back-to-back sweeps and our Dodgers Beat the Streak series is not doing too bad.
It has gotten to the point where it is hard to get mad that the Los Angeles Dodgers are so bad, you kind of just expect it. Los Angeles is on pace to lose 100 games and is the second-worst team in the National League.
Say what you will, but this is much more than just being hurt. This is the Dodgers legitimately struggling to win any games, and at this point, it feels like they will never win again.
We are taking small victories in our Dodgers Beat the Streak series as our streaks are finally somewhat off of ground zero.
Wednesday’s picks:
On Wednesday, Sarah and I both went for the returning Justin Turner, I was selecting Turner in the second straight game in hopes of extending my streak past one; something that has been difficult of late.
Turner delivered for us both and went 2-5 on the night. However, he still did not have a huge impact as he did not score any runs or drive in any runs, so that big game we were all waiting for is still alluding us.
Sarah’s pick: — Current streak: 4 — Justin Turner
My pick for today is, once again, Justin Turner. Turner played some great baseball yesterday against Miami, including a couple of great defensive plays. At this point in the season, Turner is the Dodgers best bet when it comes to getting on base. He’s able to do what the Dodgers have struggled with, drive people in.
The Dodgers, above almost anything else at this point, need to reduce the number of guys they leave on base. With the return of Turner and Forsythe, LOB should gradually become a far less pressing matter.
What I like about Turner’s hitting style, other than the fact he can hit it out of the park, is how he’s great at hitting drives into the outfield. He’s not the fastest, surely not the slowest, but he avoids the need for speed by simply driving the ball. I think that, as the Dodgers try to avoid the sweep in Miami today, Turner is the guy to watch.
Jason’s pick: — Current streak: 2 — Matt Kemp
Matt Kemp is starting to somewhat cool down during this cold streak but is still one of the most consistent bats on the Dodgers. I have noticed (and I may just be imagining things) that the team is not using Kemp as frequently, which worries me that a potential trade is inevitable. However, he does have a bobblehead night in September, so maybe not.
With a left-handed pitcher on the mound and in the cleanup spot, Kemp should have the ducks aligned with runners on base when he comes to the plate. Instead of doing the typical Dodgers’ act of striking out or hitting into a double play, Kemp is going to get at least one extra-base hit today with two RBIs.
Next: Time to wave the white flag on the Dodgers
Hopefully, that will be enough to win the Dodgers the game. However, the way things have been going as of late, I still would not expect anything.