Dodgers Come Up Just Short in Playoff Push
Despite a furious finish to the season, the Los Angeles
Dodgers were eliminated from playoff contention on the second-to-last day of
the season, losing a close battle with the San Francisco Giants, 4-3. With the
loss, the St. Louis Cardinals clinched the final wild card spot, forcing fans
with Dodgers tickets to wait at least another year to see their team in the
postseason.
There are still many bright spots to take from the club’s experience
in 2012. First of all, the pitching staff performed above expectations all
season long, posting the third best ERA and opponent batting average in the
league, with one game left to play. Lefty Clayton Kershaw had another fantastic
season, following up his Cy Young campaign of 2011 by posting a 13-9 record
with a 2.58 ERA, 221 strikeouts and a WHIP of a miniscule 1.03. Just 24 years
old, Kershaw has proven himself to be one of the most dominant starters in the
MLB, and should anchor the Dodgers’ rotation for the next decade. Veteran
starters Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano both pitched better than many people
expected them to, giving Los Angeles some much needed stability in the middle
of the rotation. If Chad Billingsley is able to avoid Tommy John surgery, the
Dodgers rotation should remain a strength next season.
The Dodgers were not able to consistently sustain their offense, which ultimately led to them missing the playoffs. However, things should get better in this regard next year. A full year of Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez should do wonders for the offense, and each should be more comfortable in 2013. Additionally, a healthy Matt Kemp all season long will make the offense a lot more potent, as Los Angeles clearly missed him during his lengthy battle with a hamstring injury. The wild card is Carl Crawford, who came over in the trade with Boston but never played due to injury. He has struggled in the two years since he left the Rays, but if he is able to play to his talent level he could be a dynamic force in L.A. While Los Angeles will not be making a playoff appearance in 2012, there are many reasons for continued optimism from the Dodgers’ faithful, and the club should bounce back in a big way next season.
For more information on Dodgers tickets, visit Amazon Tickets and Events!
The Dodgers were not able to consistently sustain their offense, which ultimately led to them missing the playoffs. However, things should get better in this regard next year. A full year of Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez should do wonders for the offense, and each should be more comfortable in 2013. Additionally, a healthy Matt Kemp all season long will make the offense a lot more potent, as Los Angeles clearly missed him during his lengthy battle with a hamstring injury. The wild card is Carl Crawford, who came over in the trade with Boston but never played due to injury. He has struggled in the two years since he left the Rays, but if he is able to play to his talent level he could be a dynamic force in L.A. While Los Angeles will not be making a playoff appearance in 2012, there are many reasons for continued optimism from the Dodgers’ faithful, and the club should bounce back in a big way next season.
For more information on Dodgers tickets, visit Amazon Tickets and Events!