It's time to look back at every team from around the MLB and what they showed us during the 60 game sprint!
We are going to explore a few things for each team: Review in-season transactions, what we learned, what we loved, what we didn't love, the most significant need(s), and lastly, the biggest takeaways.
Let's jump over the NL with the LA Dodgers today. We talked about the Padres, A's, Marlins, Yankee's, Cardinals, Whitesox, Cubs, Twins, Reds, BlueJays, Brewers, Indians, Giants, Phillies, Braves, Astros, and Rays thus far; you can find all posts on the homepage https://www.theballboyblog.com/.
What moves did the 2020 Dodgers make?
Los Angeles Dodgers traded RHP Ross Stripling and Player To Be Named Later to Toronto Blue Jays for Player To Be Named Later.
What did we love about the 2020 Dodgers?
I mean, they won the World Series in 6 games, have a megastar in Mookie Betts, who won his 5th straight Gold Glove. Of course, the Dodgers loved everything about how the season ended—winning 43 games—seeing Kershaw redeem his legacy in the postseason. There was so much to love about the Dodgers in 2020 I don't think you want me to bore you with the stats. Let's see offense wise we loved the season from Mookie Betts(3.4WAR, .292/.366/.562), Corey Seager(1.9WAR, .307/.358/.585), Codey Bellinger(CF now, 1.4WAR, .333OBP, .455SLG), Chris Taylor(1.8WAR), Justin Turner(1.3WAR), Wil Smith(1.3WAR, .289/.401/.579) and the rest of the offense posted a team .256/.338/.483 and a team .821OPS. The offense was well nearly elite. The pitching was also elite as Clayton Kershaw(2.16ERA, 0.84HIP, 9.6 K/9 1.7WAR, .191OBA), Dustin May(2.57ERA, 1.09WHIP, 1.4WAR), Julio Urias(3.27ERA, 1.15WHIP, 1.0WAR), Tony Gonsolin(2.31ERA, 0.84WHIP, 1.3WAR) and Walker Buehler(3.44ERA, 0.95WHIP, 0.3WAR over 36.2IP). The pitching staff as a whole pitched to a 3.02ERA, 1.06WHIP, .213OBA was top notch.
What did we not love about the 2020 Dodgers? I mean, Kershaw didn't get the last out of the World Series was about all I didn't love about the Dodgers.
What do I personally not love? I don't love that you aren't using the extra storage space you have in the garage, the shed, the attic, or basement. You could be making money off of it. You could buy 1 $20 storage rack at Lowes and then rent that space out. Do I need to say no more, great! My friends over at Stash-It Self Storage has you covered; use the promo code "YOUNG" when you're done posting to let them know I sent you.
What was the biggest takeaway from the 2020 Dodgers?
Mookie Betts showed us why he got the 12-year contract and what he brings to the Dodgers. I would already saw the Dodgers got their return on investment already and will at least get 1-3 more out of Betts as long as they keep surrounding him with talent and make him move to 2B or 1B in about 8-10 years. To put their 43 wins into context into a regular 162game season, they would have won 107.5 games and lost 54.5. That's on pace with the 01 Mariners for most wins in a single season.
What is next for the 2020 Dodgers in 2021?
With 3B Justin Turner, a free agent. The Dodgers have a tough choice to make: Bring the 36yo vet back on a short term deal as he posted a 135OPS+ in 2020. Give the job to breakout Edwin Rios. Trade for a star 3B like Kris Bryant or Nolan Arenado?
The Dodgers have very, very, very few holes to fill on the Roster. This team will remain intact for 2021 and is my favorite to repeat in 2021 as champs.
Thanks for reading today, I am so grateful for your time reading, and I hope you enjoyed reviewing the winners as much as I have. I also want to thank my partners over at Repp Sports for RAZE Energy. Thanks to this clean and sufficient energy, I can have the intense focus to deliver content to you guys consistently. Click here to save 15% right now with the code "BALL BOY" at check out.