If you're looking for some good news concerning the Dodgers' chances of winning the NL West again, it's this: the top three in the rotation of Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, and Hyun-Jin Ryu have better numbers after the All-Star break compared to before. Here's a look at those numbers:
Kershaw
Pre-break: 2.72 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .208 BAA
Post-break: 2.28 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, .212 BAA
Greinke
Pre-break: 3.75 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, .261 BAA
Post-break: 3.40 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, .250 BAA
Ryu
Pre-break: 3.25 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, .254 BAA
Post-break: 2.87 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .261 BAA
(I didn't bother with wins/loses, strikeouts, and walks because they obviously have pitched a lot more innings in pre-break compared to post. I just stuck with the important numbers.)
Those are some very encouraging numbers, especially since the Dodgers' offense has been known to go into hibernation a little too much. If you want a perfect example of this, look no further than the Saturday and Sunday before the break in which the Dodgers won 1-0 two straight times over the Padres. Excellent pitching, and very mediocre hitting. And that might be generous.
There's no shortage of trade talk with this team as the deadline approaches in two weeks. Already you've seen names like David Price and Jonathan Papelbon linked to being LA bound. Then there's the tale of Matt Kemp, who could be on his way out. Andre Ethier has been in trade talks for years. You just never know what's going to happen.
Through all of that, it's great to know that the Dodgers have three studs at the top of the rotation who not only get the job done, but continue to do it better and better as the season wears on. And that's why Dodger fans should feel good about the second half.
No comments:
Post a Comment