As the first half of the Major League Baseball season has come to a close, it is time to break down the Los Angeles Dodgers thus far. Although there have been some inconsistencies throughout the first part of the season, there have been many promising signs. The Dodgers are currently sitting at nine games above .500 and are five games back of the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. Here is what needs to happen if the Dodgers want to win the division.
1. Score more runs.
This one may seem obvious, but to win games, you need to score the most runs as possible! The Dodgers currently rank 10th in the National League in runs scored. Only rookie sensation Corey Seager and Adrian Gonzales are hitting over .280. Luckily after a slow start, Justin Turner is picking up the pace and Yasiel Puig is starting to hit as well. The Dodgers' lineup has so much promise, and in order for them to win the division, they're going to need to get better at the plate.
2. Keep on fielding.
The Dodgers are doing wonderful in the field. They currently have committed the second fewest number of errors in the National League. Their .988 combined team fielding percentage is second best as well. Only the Washington Nationals have a better statistical team defense than the Dodgers so far. In order for the Dodgers to keep on heading in the right direction, they will need to continue to make plays out in the field.
3. Get more out of starting pitching.
Don't let the fourth place in the National League Dodgers' 3.40 team ERA fool you. Besides Clayton "Kershgod's" electrifying ERA of 1.79, the rest of the Dodger starters have been inconsistent all season long. Thankfully for the Dodgers, their starting rotation is about to receive a lift because Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-jin Ryu have just came off the disabled list. Another reason the Dodgers' team ERA is so low is because of their fantastic bullpen, led by all-star closer Kenley Jansen and reliever Adam Liberatore.
4. Regain their health.
Injuries have taken an enormous toll on the Dodgers during the first half of the season. Recently, Clayton Kershaw was the latest addition to the disabled list. In order for the Dodgers to make a deep playoff run, he and the rest of the Dodgers roster will need to become completely healthy. They are as good as any team in Major League Baseball with a healthy ball club.
