The Dodgers were given an extremely soft schedule to begin the 2012 season.
Give them credit for taking advantage of the opportunity.
It’s hard to find anything negative about nine wins and only one loss.
But don’t minimize the fact that all the games were against the Padres and Pirates, two of major league baseball’s worst teams.
At the same time the Dodgers were breezing to easy victories the DiamondBacks and Giants were playing each other. Then the DiamondBacks had a series against the Rockies.
Here’s what you have to know. In order to qualify for the playoffs this season the Dodgers will have to finosh ahead of two division rivals, most likely the DiamondBacks and Giants.
Last season they didn’t do that.
In pre-season forecasts the Dodgers’ main competition appeared to be the Rockies in a battle for third place.
Despite their impressive start the Dodgers still seem to be in the same position. Beat out the DiamondBacks or Giants? Unlikely. Beat out the Rockies? Perhaps.
Eventually the schedule will even out and it began to do that this week when the Dodgers had to go on the road to play the Brewers and Astros.
On the positive side, the Dodgers have some fine accomplishments so far.
Matt Kemp hit six home runs and led the major leagues with a .487 batting average. Andre Ethier has overcome injuries and is also blasting the ball. Javy Guerra has become the Dodgers’ closer. He was able to pitch successfully in three straight games.
The Dodgers are playing good ball. They’re taking the extra base and Dee Gordon is applying pressure to defenses with his speed.
My gosh, the Dodgers even pulled off a triple play against the Padres Sunday.
I know fans feel good about Frank McCourt having to sell the team and the popular Magic Johnson leading the new ownership group.
Their influence on the possible signing of free agents is the key to the Dodgers’ success in upcoming years.
I think free agents will continue going to the highest bidder. The Dodgers have to be competitive in that area before it can be determined whether or not Johnson’s presence will sway them in Los Angeles’ direction. I know basketball players respect Johnson’s legacy but I don’t know if baseball players do,
I remember that John Wooden was once attending an Angels’ game and one of the Angel players didn’t know who he was. There’s no reason to say who it was but during batting practice that evening several teammates knew what was happening. And I recall that pitcher Jarrod Washburn was astonished when told and he said “really?”
So yes, the Dodgers are entering a new era and the early on-field success is encouraging.
When asked if the success can continue, former manager Joe Torre said:
Well, they have some pitchers people haven’t heard about who are pretty good.
That group includes Guerra, Josh Lindbloom and Mike McDougal.
The long season is underway and we’ll see how it unfolds.
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