OH BROTHER...

Evan Davis

Well it is safe to say that the Dodgers postseason didn’t go as planned. After winning 111 games with a +334 run differential, the best statistical offense in baseball and best pitching in baseball, the Dodgers only put together 1 postseason win.

This has to be one of the most embarrassing ends to a season for a team that was so dominant during the regular season. I can’t take away from the success of the team during the regular season, but god this stings. The blame for this one falls on the players, as they just could not hit with runners in scoring position. I can’t even look at Dave Roberts for the blame.

The one area I will fault Dave Roberts in is his constant obsession with not letting his starters go more than 5 innings. I think he just relies too heavily on the bullpen, especially in the postseason. Trying to have your bullpen get you 12 outs every game is just way too difficult to do for an entire postseason.

I would never question the skill of the bullpen, but given the fact the Dodgers starter usually goes 6-7 innings in the regular season, it doesn’t make sense for you to cut that down, you should be keeping it the same. It was very noticeable in game 4 that our bullpen was already gassed.

The future of the Dodgers is definitely in question, with numerous guys hitting free agency. Trea Turner, Craig Kimbrel, David Price, Clayton Kershaw, and Justin Turner are all guys who could be off the team next year.

With Justin Turner getting up there in age and the Dodgers farm system has a lot of promising futures, I could see the Dodgers pivoting to Miguel Vargas at 3B next season.

I’m also going to add Cody Bellinger to this list. After not starting in Game 4 vs SD, I think it became very evident the team doesn’t believe in him. I honestly prefer Trayce Thompson, who would be a lot cheaper under team control.

With Walker Buehler out for a good portion of 2023, we could very well see the Dodgers aggressive for a pitcher in free agency or looking to call up two absolute studs in AAA, Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone. Bringing back Tyler Anderson would be awesome and locking up Julio Urías has to be the Dodgers #1 priority during the offseason and heading into the season.

In regards to filling that SS hole, I’m looking at Dansby Swanson to reunite with Freddie Freeman in LA. I do find it quite alarming that everyone else besides Swanson is getting a contract, especially given the fact the Braves have been locking up their young guys on long term deals.

Swanson is 28 years old and has proven to be clutch when the moment is brightest. The Dodgers will have a lot of money to work with in the offseason, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see Swanson in LA.

I’m looking forward to the next season of Dodger baseball and seeing how this team will shape in April when the season begins. I will always support Andrew Friedman and I believe he will do what is right for Dodgers baseball.