The phrase “World Series or bust” has become cliche in the world of contenders around sports, but over the past few years this has been scripture for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the year rolls along, Mookie Betts and the Dodgers once again remain the clear favorites in the National League, something that should strike fear in every other National League team.
I mean let’s be real, at this point you can’t think about National League contenders and not mention Dave Roberts’ Dodgers. We’re talking about a team that has represented the NL in three of the last five NLCS clashes, so the idea of Los Angeles being dominant shouldn’t shock anyone.
This season has been no different. The Dodgers made a big splash this offseason adding first baseman Freddie Freeman to an already loaded lineup, and the results have been exactly what we expected. As of Monday afternoon, the Dodgers have a .700 win percentage (84-36) and have cruised through most of this regular season.
Our MLBbro Mookie Betts has finally found his old MVP form that had eluded him for long stretches due to injury. Now, Betts is firing on all cylinders and so are the Dodgers. Over his last 15 games, Betts is hitting .339/.388/.597 with 21 hits, six homers and six extra base hits in the same span.
Now most athletes who perform at such an elite level can’t wait to let people know about their success, but in true Betts fashion, his comments have been consistently about the team. Here’s what he said when asked about teammate Will Smith.
“All through the lineup we’ve got guys stepping up,” said Betts. “The beauty of this lineup is each and every game it can be a different person, and it is a different person a lot of times. Having Smitty right there, being the consistent one constantly driving in runs and constantly getting on base, that’s huge.”
Betts is right. The Dodgers have scored runs in bunches all season, and their +264 run differential is first in the majors by 80 runs. As a team they rank first in runs, third in batting average, fifth in homers and fifth in hits.
Dave Roberts’ bunch has been a well-oiled machine these past few years, and once again head into September wondering if there’s really a team in this league that can top them. The Braves and their influx of young MLBbros will put up a fight, the Mets have the best 1-2 pitching punch in MLB, but once again it looks like the National League will run through Los Angeles.
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