Los Angeles Dodgers: The Keys to Win it All in 2017
By Jason Reed
For the past four seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers have attempted to craft powerhouse teams to win the World Series. While the Dodgers have done a good job of making the postseason, that elusive World Series berth has been just outside of their grasp.
The day Magic Johnson and the rest of the Guggenheim Partners took control over the Dodgers they were reborn. The years prior to their acquisition, which was in 2013, the Dodgers were considered vastly broke and had failed to make the postseason after Manny Ramirez‘ departure. The team had considerably lost it’s credibility, and seemed in to state to contend in the near future. In the years that followed the Boys in Blue saw themselves gather more talent, and weed away the unneeded assets. Los Angeles has solidified themselves as contenders in the last few years, but have done nothing more than contend.
Sure, it is notable that the Dodgers have secured four consecutive division titles and have consistently put together more than ninety wins. On the other hand, it is notable that the Dodgers have only made it out of the NLDS two of those times, and have failed to win more than two games in the NLCS. The Dodgers have been so close to getting their first title since 1988, but fate has not gone their way.
What’s the reason for this? Well, part of the reason certainly is the Dodgers miss a few pieces. Before Corey Seager they had no real superstar hitter, and when Kershaw is hurt they lack an ace. Sure, Adrian Gonzalez and Justin Turner are great, but they are not superstars.
Also, they have had tough playoff match-ups. Except for 2014 when the Giants won the World Series, every team the Dodger have lost to in the playoffs as of late went on to the World Series. The Cardinals are a tough match-up for anyone (two of LA’s eliminations), the young Mets staff and hot Daniel Murphy were too much in 2015, and the Cubs were destined to win it all in 2016. If the Dodgers want to overcome these obstacles they must find the keys to success that those teams mastered.