In the past six consecutive seasons, the Dodgers have not only made it to the postseason but clinched the National League Title, a feat that is a first in franchise history. Last year, the team did not make it to the World Series Championships, but claim to have taken part in the National’s win, as they reportedly alerted the team of the Astros’ sign stealing. This would be the Dodger’s third consecutive year of being unable to capture the World Series Champions title, as they previously lost to the Red Sox and the Houston Astros in the two prior years. However, the Dodgers do not see this as a setback, but as the flame heating up their bats and ambitions leading up to this year’s postseason.
As the first team to clinch the League title and their position in the postseason, the Dodgers are fired up for the challenges ahead of them. After a 7-5 win over the Padres, the Dodgers were pleasantly surprised with the news they had secured their spot in the postseason, with still so much baseball left to play. With a record of 38-15, they have made a splash in the National League West, reminding teams, players, and fans alike of their potential to be great. After an interesting season of many new obstacles and regulations, the postseason promises to be equally as exciting, with players eager to end on a good note.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to postseasons, as this is the franchise’s eighth consecutive appearance. With not making it to the World Series last year and falling victim to the Red Sox’s success the previous year in game five of the World Series, the Dodgers have something to prove this year; That they are a force to be reckoned with, a force generated by champions. With new faces to the roster, the Dodgers prove that they are continuously growing and improving, as 2020 addition Mookie Betts demonstrates his power behind a bat with 16 homers and 39 runs batted in this season. The Dodgers are not new to these kinds of numbers, as players Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger don’t let Betts take all the fame, with 37 runs batted in by Seager and 27 by Bellinger.
Although the Dodgers have struggled to finish off postseasons with a title under their belts, the adjustments to the 2020 season may work in their favor. With a shortened season consisting of only 60 games, the player burnout has the potential of being less than normal, as they play less games, decreasing the amount of energy and skills they exert than in previous years. This change can be both beneficial or detrimental for players, as some peak due to the reduction in games, while some plateau due to the lack of time to warm up and reach their full potential.
With all this uncertainty surrounding the performance of teams in the postseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers know their fans have big expectations. As a team to be known for impressive season performances but subpar presence in postseasons, the Dodgers have their work cut out for them. Will they rise to the occasion and prove doubters wrong by securing the 2020 World Series Champions title? Or will they once again fall victim to the competitiveness of the postseason? Keep an eye out for their first game of the 2020 postseason on September 30th, as they take on the number one wildcard team.
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