The Los Angeles Dodgers have not been to the World Series since 1988. Since, LA is 17-31 during the postseason losing 6/9 playoff matches. In 2009, they lost to the Phillies in the NLCS, then missed the postseason 3 years in a row after. So, they decided to make an adjustment in order to get to the World Series. They signed Zack Greinke, and the Dodgers have won the NL West the last 3 campaigns, but have only made it past the divisional series once. Clearly, that plan has not worked either.
Reportedly the Dodgers have agreed on a 2-year deal worth $20 million to bring back Howie Kendrick, so again, clearly the Dodgers still think the team can win with the same plan as 2015, but minus Greinke; and oh yea, with a new inexperienced manager. Understandably, the Dodger franchise can’t afford to rebuild, as they have put a burden on themselves as the Yankees’ of the NL, thus allowing fans and media to expect the Dodgers to win big every year. So, if they decide to rebuild, or miss the playoffs on purpose, with a huge payroll, there will be riots outside of Dodger Stadium. After making several small moves in the aftermath of Greinke’s departure, including on passing up the opportunity to acquire Todd Frazier, fans have somewhat embraced the concept of taking on a Kansas City-like strategy; that was until they brought Kendrick back. Sure slightly rebuilding and missing the playoffs in order to win in 17’ will hurt attendence, but they will come back after the Series is won, or even before.
According to MLB.com, the Dodgers’ Julio Urias, Jose De Leon, Frankie Montas, and Grant Holmes, are all ranked in the top 100 prospects. Doesn’t that look familiar of a team the Dodgers lost to in the NLDS? Oh, yea, the Mets! Who have what some experts are saying the best rotation in decades! All 4 of those guys, well 5 counting Zack Wheeler, were grown in the minors. Along with Frankie Montas, LA received 2nd base prospect Micah Johnson from the White Sox. In 2013 in 131 minor league games, Micah stole 84 bags, and over the course of 385 outings in the Sox’ farm system he hit .301. Worries about his glove? Scouts have given his arm a rating of 77/100. With Kendrick now in LA for another 2 years, when will Micah get a chance to play?
Also, the Dodgers have already brought up phenom, Corey Seager, Yasmani Grandal grew up finally and made the all-star squad in 2015, Joc Pederson despite a horrible second half showed power as well as saving 7 runs with his glove while only committing 4 errors, and one of the main reasons that Dave Roberts was hired is because he might be able to turn Puig in the right direction. By the way, guys like Either, Gonzalez, and Pederson are all locked up through at least 2018. Entering 2016 with the same game plan that has failed 3 times already, will only turn into a 4th, and by re-singing Kendrick, it only puts a glitch into it. 2017 and beyond is supposed to be when the Dodgers finally win a championship, or at least is the right way to go.
“As a twig is bent the tree inclines.” –Virgil
The Dodgers need to bend their plan, tweak it a little, they can still sick with the veterans, but embrace the new comers, don’t shut the young prospects out.
