After very disappointing start to the 2013 season, the LA Dodgers quickly turned things around as they are currently in first place of the NL West. They are the frontrunners of their division and playing like the true contenders they were expected to be.
The Dodgers hot streak all began when they called up outfielder Yasiel Puig who has been an unbelievable spark plug both offensively and defensively for Los Angeles. Puig is batting .377 with 11 homeruns and 25 RBI as he has had the big go ahead hit quite a few times for the Dodgers. He’s played in 57 games this season and has been consistent. They’ll need him to remain consistent and contribute in order to continue to be contenders in the National League.
The Dodgers are also getting contributions from other big name hitters this year. Carl Crawford has also been having a nice season. The outfielder is batting .295 with five homeruns and 19 RBI. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is batting .293 with 15 homeruns and 69 RBI on the year. Andre Ethier is batting .273 with seven homers and 41 RBI.
Los Angeles also has some of the best pitchers in the game in their starting rotation. Clayton Kershaw has been dominant all season long posting a remarkable 1.91 ERA with a 10-7 record to go along with his 166 strikeouts. With a pitcher like that on the bump, the Dodgers will have a great chance at winning ball games. They also have Zack Greinke who is 9-3 with a 3.40 ERA.
In their last 10 games, the Dodgers are 8-2 and have the third best record in the National League at 64-50. They have a nice 5.5 game lead above the second place Arizona Diamondbacks and as long as they are able to continue winning, they will gain even more confidence as they make their run for the postseason.
This team has also been winning without Matt Kemp or Hanley Ramirez in the lineup. Kemp has only played in 52 games due to injuries, and Ramirez has played in 54 games. So far Kemp is batting .263 with five homeruns and 27 RBI. He’s currently on the DL, but working his way back. Ramirez is batting .361 with 11 homeruns and 37 RBI, but has been out of the lineup for four consecutive days due to his shoulder. You add these two guys to the lineup, when healthy, and it’s an immediate boost to an already good team.
The Dodgers look to be serious contenders in the NL. They’ve had the talent all along, and they’re finally playing the way we all anticipated. They also have a fairly easy schedule the rest of the way. A big test for them will be the Boston Red Sox, who they play later this month. They’ve quickly become one of the best teams in the National League, and have what it takes to go up against some of the best teams in the NL. The road to the postseason, and beyond, should be an interesting one for the Dodgers.