Great Time to be a Dodger Fan

                       This is a great time to be a Dodger fan! Coming off one of the best seasons, and most exciting for sure in Dodger history. This despite losing almost the entire starting staff and key members of the offense for extended periods of time. 

                       Kersh can now claim multiple rings, even though his own contributions were minimal. Freddie has become maybe the best free agent signee in Dodger history. Mookie has more than lived up to his rep as a baller. Of course, over time, Ohtani will surpass any numbers Freddie puts up and join the pitching staff to boot.

                     But just think of it. Not only did Ohtani shatter the team’s HR record for a season, but he also became the first player in the games history to steal 50 and hit 50 homers. He finished with 59 steals and 54 homers. The first 50-50 player is a Dodger, not a Giant, Yankee or Cardinal, a DODGER.

                     Some Dodgers over the years have broken or matched iconic records. Duke Snider is one of a very few players who hit 40 or more homers 5 years in a row. Gehrig never did that. Ruth had a stretch from 1926-32, seven years, where he hit 40 plus every year. Alex Rodriguez and Sosa did it for six. Duke also was the first player to hit 4 homers in two separate World Series.

                   Koufax struck out 18 twice, when it still was the record. Wills broke Cobbs stolen base record. When Sandy threw his 4th no-hitter, his perfect game, he broke Bob Feller’s record of three. It took Nolan Ryans longevity in the game to break Sandy’s record. Nolan tied Sandy in 1975, but his 5th came 5 years later. His sixth and 7th came 9 years later.

                   But to do what Ohtani did in a magical season that ended with a championship is mind boggling. They had to overcome the injuries, hold off the Padres when the lead dropped to two, then come from behind to win with two amazing pitching performances that shut out San Diego the final two games, thus exorcising the demons of 22. 

                 They dominated the Mets in the playoffs. They scored 46 runs to the Mets 26. They outhomered them 11-5. Dodgers ERA in the series was 4.42. Mets pitching was hammered for a 7.10. Edman was the surprise of the series winning the MVP award. What a genius pickup by the front office.

                 I have been alive for every Dodger series win. Next to sweeping the Yanks in 63, powerhouse team with Mantle, Maris, Ford, Howard, Berra, this was the sweetest win for me. I know 88 was special because the A’s were supposed to crush LA and Gibby’s homer was heroic. But with Ohtani not hitting, Freddie stepped up big time and hit maybe the most exciting walk off in Dodger history in game one. He then homered in the next three to become, along with Duke Snider, the only Dodger to hit four homers in a series.

                   The pitching staff totally shut down the Yankees biggest star in Aaron Judge, .222, 1 homer, 3 driven in. Soto was the only Yankee over .300. Dodger defense was excellent and the Yankees lack of same in game five sunk their hopes entirely. 

                  Yankees actually had a higher BA, .212-.206 than the Dodgers. LA outscored them by 1, 25-24, NY outhomered LA, 9-7. But the Yankees staff ERA was a full run higher than the Dodgers. Cole was far and away their best against LA. But, Cortes, Cousins, Gil, Kahnle, Rodon and Schmidt, all had ERAs over 9. 

                 The fact that LA could run out so many quality relievers was a huge difference maker. Buehler and Yamamoto were the only starters who notched a win, Treinen got 2 out of the pen. 

                 So, what will 25 bring? Hopefully more of the same with less injuries. We will get to see Mookie at SS from the beginning. Conforto basically replaces Heyward. Kike may or may not come back depending on what happens with Taylor. 

                     At some point we will see Ohtani on the bump. Snell, Glasnow and Yamamoto are a solid 1-3 until we shake the tree and see who steps up. Tony G and May bolster the staff. Unfortunately, Sheehan and Brusdar are not going to be available until late in the year. 

                      Kersh will be back later in the year to add an experience arm to the fray. The offense should be pretty solid with the only really unknown being what will they get from Kim. Edman, Smith, Mookie, Conforto, Teo, Max, Freddie and Shohei are all known qualities. Rojas, Taylor, Barnes and Pages the bench for now barring a surprise trade. 

                 I do not know about you, but to me, 2025 is going to be one hell of a ride. Go Big Blue!