5. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Another team that seemed to be sleep-walking through much of the season, the LA Dodgers have turned it on over the last few weeks, and appear intent on extending broadcaster Vin Scully’s final season after 67 seasons of calling games.
The Dodgers have won 10 of their last 15 to spring past the arch-rival San Francisco Giants and into the lead in the NL West Division by four full games.
Of course, much of that has been fueled by the Giants own complete collapse. But that collapse takes nothing away from the Dodgers own consistent play.
Shortstop Corey Seager is the runaway NL Rookie of the Year, and that freshman campaign has been aided greatly by the tremendous mentoring of his doubleplay partner, former Phillies hero Chase Utley.
Veteran 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez also helps lead a balanced, if sometimes erratic, offensive attack that includes catcher Yasmani Grandal, 3rd baseman Justin Turner, and outfielder Joc Pederson, each of whom has reached or passed the 20-homer mark.
Another rookie, outfielder Andrew Toles, came up just prior to the MLB All-Star break, and has provided the lineup with a much-needed boost on many nights.
There remains a potential difference-maker right there in the Dodgers own clubhouse in enigmatic and mercurial outfielder Yasiel Puig. Remanded to the minor leagues for the month of August, Puig has returned and has been just such a game-changer in his two September starts.
On the mound, another game-changer is to be welcomed back when the best pitcher on the planet, lefty Clayton Kershaw, returns later this week from a stay of more than two months on the DL with a herniated disc in his back.
Kenley Jansen may be the top closer in the game today, and what a phenomenal season the Dodgers have been getting out of Joe Blanton as a setup reliever. Yes Phils’ fans, that Joe Blanton.
Japanese import Kenta Maeda has been a true workhorse during his first season in the States, and super lefty teenager Julio Urias has been spot-started and given relief appearances enough that his arm should be fresh for more featured work in the stretch run.
The Dodgers have a ton of question marks. They also have a ton of talent. This is a team that could still miss the playoffs, but they are also a team that could win the World Series with enough of the right answers the rest of the way.
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