We’ve been here before. For the past four years, LA baseball hopes have been sunk in the postseason. But now, Dodger nation are really beginning to believe.
The last playoff outing was one hell of a stinger. Up 2-1 in the NLCS crunch with the Chicago Cubs. Two home games out of three left. Hopes of banishing 30 years of hurt were high.
Legendary commentator Vin Scully was praying his final campaign calling the action would see him soak up the World Series. Of course, the history making Cubs had their own 108-year jinx to deal with, meaning it wasn’t to be for LA.
Scully scuttled off into retirement worrying that the class of 1988 – the last time his beloved team were crowned kings – may never be eclipsed.
Yet, fast forward to now and there’s no better team than the Boys in Blue. The Houston Astros, whose win percentage is virtually identical, may have something to say about that.
The Cubs, meanwhile, have been bang average. But baseball sages are casting their eyes over to La La Land and giving that knowing nod.
The roster is deeper, raw diamonds have been polished and confidence is sky high. It’s fair to say, Dave Roberts’ team are on a heck of a roll. Friday night’s win over the Kansas City Royals was their 24th triumph from their last 28 games, making it 37 wins in the previous 48.
Going into last weekend, the Dodgers were 37-11 at home in 2017, which includes a thumping run of 16 wins in 17. Their record at Dodger Stadium could end up around the 61-20 mark. That’s World Series-winning form right there.
.@Cody_Bellinger becomes the youngest position player to make the All-Star team in franchise history! #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/fOO9a0TONg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 2, 2017
“It’s a different feeling compared to last year,” seasoned Dodgers beat writer Eric Stephen told me. “They are looking like the strongest team in any of the divisions and the depth of roster helps them stand out. Last season, there was an acknowledgment that the Cubs were better, but you cannot say that now. “The fans have a good feeling about this.”
Luck, as well as supreme skills, always plays its part and in the case of Cody Bellinger that definitely rings true. The 21-year-old hitting sensation started the season in the minor leagues.
Three weeks passed before the call came to head on back to Los Angeles and help cope with some early injuries. Stop gap? Yeah right. He arrived in a team with a losing record but as they head to the All-Star break, he leaves them bossing the best stats in the National League thanks to smashing 21 homers in just 51 games.
No-one has ever hit so many in such a short space of time. No wonder Bellinger thinks it’s all a dream.
“After a game, when you’re laying in bed, you’re like ‘is this really happening?’” It certainly is. Father Clay was a champion with the Yankees back in 1999 and 2000 but, if his little boy carries on like this, another ring will surely be heading home.
And with a supremely strong pitching rotation led by Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ star man, fantasy is fast morphing into reality.
How about @Awood45!! This guy is is throwing the ball as good as anyone I've ever seen!!!! @Dodgers #Win pic.twitter.com/ijYB99RO8i
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) July 6, 2017
Undoubtedly, manager Roberts needs his superstar pitcher firing on all cylinders, though the form of back-up Alex Wood has lifted the burden brilliantly.
Like Bellinger, Wood’s success this season has come as a surprise. He’s gone from scratching around in the bullpen to recently becoming a key component of a team which is looking unstoppable.
After shutting out the Diamondbacks last week, he became just the sixth pitcher since 1933 to go into the All-Star break (there will be six Dodgers travelling across to Miami this week, their biggest contingent since 1981) having started the season with at least 10 wins and no losses before the short halt. Journeyman Chris Taylor also deserves a mention.
The infielder was no more than a utility player, yet has clicked this season and is proving indispensable. The Dodgers are bang on pace for over 100 wins – the first time they’ve done that since 1977 – and it should happen considering in their first 36 games after the break, 30 are against sides under .500.
“You look at the way the Lakers have tanked for the last five years, the Clippers have just lost Chris Paul while the NFL teams have been changing so there’s not been the kind of groundswell support that the Dodgers are getting right now,” added Stephens. “They’re the best sports team in LA.”
Yes. But will it last?
