Garrett Anderson’s .179 average has not been much help for the Dodgers (Photo by Jeff Lewis)
By Tamara Latta
Sentinel Sports Writer
It’s time to grade the Dodgers on their midseason performance.
Let’s talk about it.
Matt Kemp, James Loney and Russell Martin midseason ups and downs:
The Dodgers have the names on their roster to compete against any team, but they need to be more consistent going into the second half. Matt Kemp has the potential to be one of the best hitters in baseball; he’s already proven that he can be a monster at the plate, but he’s been inconsistent. If he’s able to cool down his aggressiveness and not force his at bats, he can take this team a long way. He already has 16 homers but (97) strike outs on his stats doesn’t look good. I would like to see Kemp more relaxed at the plate and keeping his eye on the prize. His defense has also simmered down a little this season, but there’s still enough time to fix it. Put your Gold-Glove to work and prove all your doubters wrong.
James Loney is another young stud on the roster to keep an eye on the remaining of the season. I think I’m the only one who thinks Loney can be a power hitter. He has the capability to be “that dude”. During the off-season last year, he worked on his game and showed up to training camp with more muscles than expected. There’s no uncertainty that he’s been flexing his muscles. Loney is the most consistent player on the Dodgers roster leading the way in RBI’s (63). Still needs to produce more power to keep his team in the mix. It’s there; he just needs to find a way to deliver it. However his defense is up to par.
Russell Martin where are you? Sometimes I forget that Martin is still a starter. He’s been silent the first half. His bat is sluggish right now, but I won’t count his game out just yet. The potential is there every time he steps up to the plate, but he just doesn’t look comfortable. If he could find a comfort zone on the field both offensively and defensively, he’ll be one of the best catchers in the league. With only 5 homeruns and 22 RBI’s Martin you are being put on surveillance watch until you can do better. The boys in blue need you to put the pieces back to the puzzle going forward.
Potential is the perfect word for trio. Now can someone bring out the ammunition?
What the Dodgers need to do to become stronger for the playoffs:
Pitching, Pitching and Pitching!
Pitching should be the Dodgers main focus right now. I think if they can get the pitching together everything else will fall in place. If you evaluate their roster they have one of the best in the NL West, but the bullpen is not stable enough. Would someone say” let me upgrade you “? Pitching has been hurting the Dodgers for two years now, and to become a menace in the playoffs and potentially win a world series, they need starting pitching to be efficacious. There have been too many ACE pitchers available. You have to give a little to receive a little. Make it happen!
The Dodgers receive a B- on their overall report card. If you can acquire an ACE pitcher I will raise your grade up to an A+.
