The LA Dodgers and the 2020 Postseason
The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). In 2020, they had the best regular season record in the MLB, with a 43-17 record. With such an impressive record, many were predicting the Dodgers to make a deep run in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round. Here, we will look at why the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs and what the future may hold for them.
A Historical Perspective
The Dodgers have been a consistent playoff team in recent memory, making the playoffs in each of the last eight seasons. During this time, they have won six division titles and have reached the World Series three times. In 2017 and 2018, they made it to the World Series and lost to the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox respectively.
2020 Season in Review
The Dodgers had a great regular season in 2020, finishing with the best record in the MLB. They had the best pitching staff in the league and were led by star pitcher Clayton Kershaw. The offense was also strong, as they had multiple players with strong batting averages, such as Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger.
Postseason Struggles
Despite their impressive regular season, the Dodgers were unable to find success in the postseason. They were eliminated by the San Diego Padres in the first round. The Padres were led by young stars such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado and were able to outplay the Dodgers in the three game series.
Dodgers’ Mental Errors
The Dodgers were not able to take advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them. They made multiple mental errors, such as not properly executing bunts, leaving runners on base, and not taking advantage of their power hitters. These errors proved to be costly as the Padres were able to capitalize on them and win the series.
The Future for the Dodgers
The Dodgers are still a very talented team and have a bright future ahead. They have a strong core of young players, such as Bellinger and Betts, and experienced veterans, such as Kershaw and Justin Turner. They also have solid depth in the bullpen, which is always key in the postseason.
Changes in the Offseason
The Dodgers have already made some changes in the offseason in order to prepare for the 2021 season. They have acquired new players through trades and free agency, such as catcher Austin Barnes and pitcher Blake Treinen. They have also re-signed key players such as reliever Kenley Jansen and outfielder Chris Taylor.
Dodgers’ 2021 Outlook
The Dodgers are in a great position to make another run at the World Series in 2021. They have a strong core of players and have added some depth to their team. They also have a great manager in Dave Roberts and a great front office in Andrew Friedman.
The NL West Division
The Dodgers are in a competitive division, as the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Colorado Rockies are all very talented teams. The division will be very competitive in 2021 and the Dodgers will need to be at their best if they want to make it back to the postseason.
The National League
The National League is a very competitive league as well, with teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs all expected to have strong seasons. The Dodgers will need to be at their best if they want to make it to the World Series in 2021.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated from the 2020 postseason in the first round by the San Diego Padres. Despite this, the Dodgers are still a very talented team and have a great chance to make a deep run in the 2021 postseason. They have a great core of players and have made some changes in the offseason to bolster their team. They also have a great manager and front office. The NL West division and the National League will be very competitive in 2021, so the Dodgers will need to be at their best if they want to make it back to the World Series.
2020 Postseason, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, San Diego Padres, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Justin Turner, Dave Roberts, Andrew Friedman, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs