While we were all concentrating on the Lakers and Clippers’ march into the NBA playoffs a funny thing happened.
The Dodgers, who struggled to a third place finish in the Western Division last season and were forecast third or worse this season, began the baseball season on a hot streak. Then, despite a barrage of injuries, they widened their lead.
At the same time, division favorites Arizona and San Francisco got off to terrible starts.
So the Dodgers began this week with a 7 ½ game lead on the Giants. They also had the best record in the major leagues.
Mind you, the future looks brighter with new ownership and the departure of Frank McCourt. But the roster hasn’t changed much from last season, so the current success is shocking.
Matt Kemp has been on the disabled list but it doesn’t matter. Relative unknowns have become heroes. A.J. Ellis and Scott Van Slyke hit game-winning three-run homers last week. I saw Jerry Sands hit a home run Sunday.
Then there’s second baseman Elian Herrera, filling in for the injured Mark Ellis at second base. He’s been in the minor leagues for 10 years but he’s hit .365 since being called up from the minors by the Dodgers.
Manager Don Mattingly, stunned like everyone else by the Dodgers’ success, has said the team’s ability to win without Kemp will allow him to rest the MVP candidate from time to time.
Logic tells me the Dodgers will coll off because they’re simply not this good.
But if none of their division rivals reverse their early losing ways the Dodgers could win a weak division.
That would get them into the playoffs where they’d figure to be eliminated early.
But you never know. There’s something to be said for a team that believes in itself and wins against all odds.
I notice that fans are taking a wait and see attitude. They’re happy that Magic Johnson and his team now own the team but they’re not flocking to the stadium.
Rarely is attendance at near capacity unless the Dodgers are giving something away like blankets or bobblehead dolls.
But when school lets out crowds traditionally become larger.
So, LA fans disappointed by the Lakers’ early playoff exit may get with the Dodgers this summer.
And another thought. At this time Mattingly should be a strong candidate for National League Manager of the Year.
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