(04-25-2018 11:56 PM)stever20 Wrote:  the problem is they can be trending up, but if they're 10 games back already by end of May- that's going to be a huge problem. I totally get what you're saying- they have to fix themselves- but at the same time, you have to tread water in stretches like this. they've played 4 teams that were sub .500 last year and only gone 8-6 in those 14 games.

But that's the point! If they are unable to tread water, you don't worry about the lead, you worry about why they can't tread water!

Quote:you can say what you want about the offense- but in 20 games this month- LA has scored 99 runs. that's 4.95 per game. the problem is that they've given up 90 or 4.5 runs per game. last April the Dodgers scored 112 runs in 26 games.. that's 4.31 per game. But gave up 92 or only 3.54 per game. THAT has been the bigger problem quite frankly. tonight was 5th loss where they scored at least 5 runs. and the bullpen has been shaky at best. #13 right now in fWAR to the minute- and with an ERA a good .55 worse than last year.

I think the bullpen is closer to getting solved than the offense. Jansen actually looked good again tonight, and to me usage is one of the key issues moving forward, which I think is being sorted. Team wRC+ of 95; ISO of .140. That's pretty freaking mediocre, and if it ticked up a bit there'd be less pressure on the bullpen.