Through a quarter of a season, the Dodgers are in prime position to make a run for a third consecutive World Series appearance. If you’ve been following, you’ve gotten the gist of how well each facet of the team is doing. The offense is really good, the rotation is holding its own, the defense has been solid, and the bullpen has given us heart palpitations. So, here’s a quick assessment of each facet:

Offense

The Dodgers are top 5 in baseball in just about every hitting statistic, standard or advanced. And, it’s to be expected. A lot has to do with a philosophy they’ve upheld since ‘17. “We walk and we slug” is what Corey Seager was quoted saying about their approach to Dodger Insider in 2017. And the numbers back it up. In the last 2 ¼ seasons they’ve led in walks and are 2^nd in slugging percentage. And they’ve done this by seeing as many pitches as possible. Again, the numbers back that up as they’re first in pitches per plate appearance (4.01). What helps see a lot of pitches? Maintaining discipline and not swinging at pitches outside the strike zone. *Checks stats* Yup! They have the lowest O-Swing percentage in the majors since 2017. But those stats are a cumulative look for the last couple of seasons. How about where they’re ranked in MLB this season alone (position players only):

BB: 2^nd

SLG: 3^rd

Pitches/PA: 3^rd

O-Swing%: 2^nd

Not much has changed and no reason for it to. Patience and wearing down pitchers has been the M.O. of all great offenses.

Another aspect that’s taken a turn away from the historically disastrous has been Dodgers offense in the clutch. Unlike last season where they sat either at the bottom or near it throughout, they’re now sitting in the top 10. You can argue this being one of the main reasons as to why they have the 2^nd best overall record.

Rotation

Collectively the starters have pitched well posting a 110 ERA+ which is ranked 10^th in baseball.  They’re actually ranked within the top 10 in numerous pitching categories. This is encouraging when taking into account that Kershaw has only pitched in 5 games and Hill in 2 as well as considering Buehler’s rocky season. With a rotation that hasn’t hit its stride but still performing well above average, the outlook is promising. I’d say the only concern would be injuries. If there’s one thing that looms over the Dodgers pitching staff it’s the inevitability of injuries, phantom or real. Nonetheless, their depth has thrived for the most part and there’s no reason that won’t continue should their need arise.

Bullpen

Yes, I’m a little concerned. Having the lowest left on base percentage, the 9^th most meltdowns, the third most blown saves and an ERA well above league average is cause for concern. With all that in mind, it’s not as bad as it seems. Thank goodness for advanced and peripheral statistics.

The Dodgers BP collectively boasts a 113 ERA+. Yup, that’s right. Better than the rotation. That ranks them 9^th amongst all bullpens in baseball. As a matter of fact, just like the rotation, they fall into a number of statistical categories for BP’s in the top 10. Here’s a few:

BAbip .278/10^th

WHIP 1.19/6^th

Avg. Exit Velocity 86.9 mph/4^th

Swinging Strike % 12.4/t-10^th

O-Swing % 33.7/t-2^nd

Walk % 7.3/1^st

Expected Weighted On-Base Average Against .297/7^th

Pitches per Game in Relief 16/3^rd

Skill Interactive ERA 3.67/7^th

Deserved Run Average  4.24/8^th

Also, when you look back to how the Dodgers bullpens have started every season for the last 4 seasons, you’ll notice slow starts in March/April and them picking up stride around the middle of May. It’s a curious and often frustrating routine. Anyhow, here’s how they’ve looked month to month lumped together from 2016 – 2018 (including MLB rank in parenthesis):

March/April: 3.74 ERA (6^th)/3.62 FIP (3^rd)

May: 3.07 ERA (1^st)/3.32 FIP (1^st)

June: 3.56 ERA (2^nd)/3.74 FIP (3^rd)

July: 3.10 ERA (1^st)/3.25 FIP (1^st)

August: 3.97 ERA (9^th)/4.18 FIP (11^th)

September: 3.51 ERA (3^rd)/3.63 FIP (3^rd)

Altogether in those 3 seasons (sans August), the Dodgers have been in the top 3 of both categories. But could 2019 be the year where the whole season becomes an August? Isn’t that every fans fear? As I’ve shown, the stats are hinting their luck should change. A quarter of the way through is a decent sample size to judge but nowhere near enough to determine how the BP will ultimately turn out.

Defense

This won’t take long. The defense has been efficient. Arguably the best for the last 3 ¼ years. If there’s one aspect that’s taken a slight dip this year, it’s catcher framing. But it’s not like they’ve went for 1^st to last. No, it’s more like best to just not as good as they used to be. I think we can all live with that until automated strike zones are put into use, amirite?!