The Los Angeles Dodgers got off to a slow start in 2010. They went just 9-14 in April. When we factor in their lousy 4-11 record in interleague play and we can figure out why they sit 54-46 five full games out of the lead in the National League West. Even with a suburb May where this team went 20-8, they have not been able to keep pace with the San Diego Padres or the San Francisco Giants. That is not to say this is a bad baseball team, just one that could use a little something at the trade deadline. They have added OF Scott Posednik this week in preparation for a run at a division title.
As an offense this team has scored 450 runs, and the team batting average is .262 which is the third highest team BA in the National League. In all they have collected 889 hits and they can be broken down like this; 185 doubles, 21 triples, and 75 home runs. That home run total is a little low as it ranks last among NL clubs. Dodger hitters have fanned 699 times and drawn 344 walks.
The pitching staff on the other hand has struggled a bit. They have given up 435 runs, and the staff ERA is 3.98. While that is the sixth best NL staff ERA it seems a tad high to me, especially for a NL club. They have given up 849 hits, and 78 of those were home runs. That HR total is the most HR’s given up by a NL staff. They have retired 770 batters with strike outs and issued 339 walks.
One of the big questions about this club heading into 2010 was if the pitching rotation was strong enough. This is kind of a mixed bag answer as three of the starting five have .500 record or better, but the back end of this rotation is pretty bad. That being said it could be a heck of a lot worse.
Related Links:
• Los Angeles Dodgers news and notes • The Business of Major League Baseball •MTR Baseball.com
