Los Angeles Dodgers Review: Dodgers Come Up Short Yet Again
By David Hill
The Los Angeles Dodgers missed Zack Greinke.
When healthy, Clayton Kershaw was in the midst of one of the best seasons in the modern era of baseball. In his 21 appearances spanning 149 innings, Kershaw posted a 12-4 record with a 1.69 ERA and a 0.725 WHiP, striking out 172 batters against only 11 walks. It was easily Kershaw’s greatest season, and one that would have made him an unquestioned Cy Young winner had he been healthy.
However, the rest of the Dodgers starting rotation was not up to par. Through injuries or ineffectiveness, Los Angeles simply did not have the arms to back their ace up. Madea was miscast as a second starter, and while Julio Urias pitched well, he is only 19 years old.
Although the Dodgers managed, they did not look right until Rich Hill was behind Kershaw in the rotation. This allowed Madea and Urias to be used in spots that were a better fit, while Ross Stripling could be that back of the rotation arm he is perfect for. Likewise, having that second piece in the rotation, like Hill, would have allowed the Dodgers to do more than tread water until Kershaw was able to resume his historic campaign.
As great as Clayton Kershaw is, he is only one pitcher. At best, he can take the ball every fifth day and deliver his typically masterful performances. Having that second arm, like Zack Greinke had provided over the previous three seasons, makes that rotation all the more formidable. And, as the Dodgers learned last year, if anything was to happen to Kershaw, having that second ace can make a huge difference.
Rich Hill made a huge difference when he made it to the mound after being acquired in a trade. The Dodgers should heed that lesson this offseason.