Well, as they say, the prophecy has spoken. In December of last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers set forth on a plan to seemingly conquer MLB. They signed Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for a ton of cheddar....or a lot of money. The duo would be joining Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, fellow acquisitions in Teoscar Hernandez, Tyler Glasnow and a mainstay in Clayton Kershaw on an already stacked club who was out for revenge after getting swept by the Diamondbacks. As the 2024 season began, the boys from Chavez Ravine had the world on their shoulders.
Last night, the whispers of their 2020 "Mickey Mouse" championship faded away as the Dodgers cemented their expectations with a dominating performance in the Series that everyone wanted. Los Angeles took no prisoners in the postseason against San Diego and the two New York teams. Sure, there were times when adversity was on the horizon, but they put their heads down to tell the critics that we spent the money, but we also have the heart and determination to get the job done. It doesn't hurt that an entire city has their back.
-Dodger fans, Google the name Casey Close, and send that man a gift basket. His miscommunication with the Atlanta Braves led to Freddie Freeman going to the Dodgers. Freddie had a trying year with his son and his medical situation. The Dodger family and MLB were behind him and family. He decided to go on a tear which started by emulating Kirk Gibson and hitting the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history. After that, he went God mode and captured the WS MVP. Sometimes, good guys finish first.
-Shohei did struggle in the World Series, but he was worth the $700 million that the Dodgers will pay him. He became the first player to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in one season. He brought another dimension of star power to the Dodgers. It's hard to believe that Anaheim to Los Angeles are 45 miles apart (according to Google Maps) yet both franchises seem way farther than they should be. Obviously, Shohei is in a better situation.
-Mookie had a solid year despite a temporary position change, an injury and a couple of fans trying to rip his arm off in Game 4. If there is a player that is the glue to a team, it is Mookie.
-The core of The Hernandez boys (Teoscar and Kiki), Gavin Lux, Max Muncy and key acquisitions as Jack Flaherty, Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech played their roles perfectly to keep the Dodger train rolling.
-It is also nice to see Kershaw get another ring before he rides off to the sunset.
Okay, I have been critical about this man for a while, now it's time for him to get his flowers....
-Dave Roberts managed his best during this postseason run. With his rotation ailing due to injuries, Roberts was able to get key starts from Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, Flaherty and his bullpen was dominant to keep L.A. in control.
The Dodgers came into this series with a lot on their minds. A franchise legend, Fernando Valenzuela, passed away as many fans and players would strive to get the championship for #34. Fernando was an important part to the Mexican American community not just in L.A. but also across the country.
RIP FERNANDO VALENZUELA 1960-2024
So, as I close this article down, I have one thing left to say.....
Dodger fans, fire up that grill with Farmer John sausages, gas up your car with 76 Premium and crack open a can of 805. In the distance, you can hear Vin Scully's voice saying how proud he is.
Enjoy it, L.A.
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