The Ups and Downs of Being a Dodger Fan.

The last few days have reminded me how frustrating this team can be sometimes. And it is not just this version, there have been many over the years. Last year, this team was a lot of fun to watch, and it stretches this season, it has been fun too. After losing the opener to the Rockies 8-5, and Belli losing a HR when he passed Turner on the bases, they went on a tear winning 13 of their next 14. After dropping a game to SD, they went into that horrendous 5-15 slump.

After that, they went on another tear going 12-2. Since the first of June, they have won 30 games. But have not passed the Giants simply because besides having gotten to within 1/2 game, they just have not gotten that big hit at the right moment, or clutch pitching when it was most needed. The Giants meanwhile have not gone into an extended slump and are getting great production from their scrubs. The Dodgers are not. And SF’s no-name starting corps and bullpen has been excellent and is rated #2 in the majors behind the Astro’s. I thought LA’s staff was giving up way too many HR’s, especially the starters, but with 114 allowed they are actually somewhere in the middle. Only St Louis, and go figure, Miami have not allowed 100 or more this year.

So, can they go on another run? I would think they could. They have some weaker teams on the schedule right about the time they will be at full strength. They have 57 games left. They only play the Giants 3 more times, but they will be a different team the next time they meet. They are more than capable of getting it done. Will there be more games where the fans get frustrated? Probably. I have never seen a Dodger team that did not, along with the excitement, bring a ton of angst.

They have some issues that need to be addressed. But this will be a better team in the end than it was at the beginning. Just the Addition of Turner, Max, and Duffy will ensure that. As long as they stay healthy, and can keep their stars on the field, they more than have the players to get the job done. Most worry about the pen. But the pen has done a good job most of the time. The problem has been what it has been in some years past. Consistency from the offense. They score a ton of runs and then go silent. A lot of the credit for that goes to the opposing pitcher, but fans do not see it that way. They think they should beat up on every starter they face that is not deGrom or someone of that ilk.

Starting pitching will get better. Scherzer and Kersh being added into the mix this month assure that. Me, I have more faith in Price as the 5 than I do Gonsolin. And the reason is simple. Experience. Forcing Gonsolin to come out of the pen and fire bullets instead of nibbling at the corners makes him a weapon. They did the same thing with Maeda, and Urias also. That is why he was so good in the post-season last year. Another thing Roberts needs to do is not always use Jansen as the man in the 9th. Treinen, Kelly, and Knebel all have experience at that. As for guys like Graterol, I do not want to see that kid out there in the 9th. Nasty stuff for sure, but not ready for prime time just quite yet.

As health returns, the bench will get better. Not having to rely on the AAA guys will make the team even deeper. I think their mindset should be let’s win the division again. They have the talent and time enough to as Jon Luc say’s, Make it so! I do not want to see them in a one-game playoff. I do not care who they would be playing. Let the Padres and Giants have to do that. secure home field for the playoffs and go from there.

We will have to wait and see of course how the Turner-Seager dynamic works out. But I think Turner, who would probably love to win another ring, will move to second, and Corey will stay at short. Of course if Seager needs a day off, Turner slides over and Taylor plays second. I have quit pulling my hair out over this team…..I have none to spare.