At 56-46 the Dodgers find themselves in a heated divisional race with their rivals from the Bay in the San Fransisco Giants. As things stand the Dodgers are a game back of the Giants but how the way things been playing out that could change in an instant. Now not only are the Dodgers in a fight for the division but they’re in a fight for their postseason lives as well. Right now the NL has at least 8 teams in division races and if you don’t count the teams that’s already in first place in their respective division then that’s 5 teams battling for the wild card spot. Yes the NL is that deep and that close together right now where the margin for error is not that great.
For the Dodgers this will be a big challenge for them because they have to hold on to a possible Wild Card Birth while fighting for the NL West with the Giants. We all know Los Angeles want the division but they’ll have to play more consistent baseball if they want that to happen. Right now their schedule is a very tough one but can also help the Dodgers out a lot. This weekend they have a very crucial series with the Giants that could really swing momentum in the NL West race between the two teams. It gets tougher after that because the Dodgers return home to kickoff their home stand in a 3 game series with the Atlanta Braves who are also in a race with the Washington Nationals in the NL East as well as in a Wild Card Battle with the Dodgers, Cardinals, and Reds. The schedule isn’t going to get any easier for the Dodgers as they face their Rival from up the 5 Freeway and AL in the Angels, The Braves in Atlanta and the Brewers in Milwaukee and Los Angeles. Talk about brutal.
As of late the Dodgers have been pretty inconsistent yet still find themselves right in it. You have this sense that with the talent the Dodgers have that they will click and get it together anytime now. There’s no doubt the Dodgers really do need help in the bullpen and need an effective 5 Starter due to the struggles of Dan Haren. Lets not forget the offense could use a little help and the ongoing drama with Matt Kemp and the Outfield positioning. One thing is certain and that’s that the Dodgers need a huge spark/pick me up to get it going and whether it’s a big trade or building a few wins or calling up a top prospect (Joc Petersen?) but this team needs to get it going and at least show some fire. Many fans are wondering what happened to the Dodgers that showed fire from last season? They also need everyone healthy. They have Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez both hurt from their series with the Cardinals but Puig will likely play tonight while Hanley likely will be headed to the DL. Many think the Dodgers are reeling and the older roster is hurting them yet they’re still in a great spot. This upcoming series with the Giants favors them when it comes to the pitching and Giants have been struggling as of late so this is a great chance for L.A. to get it going. If not then what will that say for the Dodgers? The NL Postseason race is hot right now and as close as it is for the boys in blue this will either light a fire under them or break them.
