So far, Dodgers’ depth too much for D’backs
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Game 2 victory included curious trivia: Austin Barnes had a postseason RBI for the first time in his career. So did Logan Forsythe. So did Chris Taylor.
These were the guys driving the Dodgers offense as they beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-5?
Why, yes, along with Yasiel Puig, who batted eighth.
In a city known to fawn over stars, bit players helped Los Angeles claim a 2-0 edge in the National League Division Series before it shifted to Phoenix for Monday’s Game 3. Starting with the intriguing matchup of Diamondbacks ace and former Dodger Zack Greinke against Yu Darvish, L.A. will have three chances to reach the NL Championship Series for the third time in five years.
The Dodgers don’t lack for headliners such as Corey Seager, Justin Turner and rookie of the year shoo-in Cody Bellinger in their lineup, but lesser lights were also a major reason they posted the best record in baseball at 10458, and they’ll be counted on for the playoffs as well.
When Rich Hill threw the first pitch of Saturday’s game, teammates Chase Utley, Curtis Granderson, Andre Ethier and Yasmani Grandal — who have combined for 12 All-Star Game invites — sat on the bench.
Those decisions reflect the Dodgers’ desire to set up the best matchups against Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray, but they’re also testament to their depth. The 6-7-8 hitters — Forsythe, Barnes and Puig — accounted for eight of the club’s 12 hits while scoring five runs and driving in five.
“You have to put the best players out there for that particular day,” said Granderson, who singled as a pinch-hitter in the fifth and scored a run. “Sometimes it’s going to be what you saw today; sometimes it’s going to be a little flip. It just all depends on what Doc (manager Dave Roberts) and the scouting staff and the front office decide is the best opportunity for us to win.”
The Dodgers brass has emphasized depth and versatility in building the roster, valuing multiposition players such as Forsythe (second and third), Bellinger (first and the outfield), Taylor and Kike Hernandez ( both all over the infield and outfield) for the flexibility they afford in seeking statistical advantages.
“They have some good leftright matchups, and they do a good job of structuring their roster for this series,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “It presents some unique challenges for bullpen usage.”
The concept of platooning is nearly as old as the game itself. The notion of players accepting it, especially those with distinguished résumés, is a bit more novel. Besides swallowing their egos, players have to put in extra work to stay ready in case they’re called on. Not getting a starting assignment doesn’t equate taking the day off.
The whole plan goes over much better when a team is winning, which tends to minimize dissent.
Not a peep was heard when the Dodgers were on pace to tie the record for most wins ever as they went 91-36 through Aug. 25. The subsequent 1-16 slide brought plenty of questions about the team’s penchant for resting regulars and inflating the roster to 39 players in September.
Puig was the only player to appear in more than 145 games.
However, closer Kenley Jansen said the years of failing to achieve their championship aspirations — the Dodgers have won five consecutive NL West crowns but haven’t reached the World Series since 1988 — have forged a more selfless approach, a mentality of everyone doing their part, however big or small.
“Last year we saw how close we got. It hurts that we didn’t make it,” Jansen said. “We know how good we are, and we know we fell short. We’ve been talking about it the whole year, since me and JT (Turner) re-signed. When we got to spring training we talked about trying to win a championship. That’s what it’s all about.”
The Dodgers are convinced they will have a better chance by spreading the duties instead of relying on a few outstanding players such as staff ace Clayton Kershaw, who has carried much of the pitching burden in the past.
That’s one of the constant messages delivered by Roberts, who keeps his backups apprised of when they can expect to play, and it reverberates among the players.
“The communication with us in that clubhouse, I haven’t really been a part of that for 25 guys,” said Forsythe, who joined the team in an offseason trade.
“The big thing for us is the guys that aren’t in there are wanting to prove something, and I think that gives them a little added edge. They come out with a chip on their shoulder, and they want to get the job done. They’re not scared to do it. They want to do it.”