LA Dodgers’ 2023 Season: A Remarkable Turnaround in Team Mindset Leads to Success
Dave Roberts Hails Unselfish Approach as Dodgers Secure Division Crown and First-Round Bye
In the 2023 MLB season, the LA Dodgers have undergone a remarkable transformation, marked by a significant shift in their team mindset. This change has not only defied external expectations of a transitional year but has also propelled the Dodgers to secure another division crown and a coveted first-round bye in just a week’s time. The star first baseman, Freddie Freeman, has played a pivotal role in this transformation, ranking in the top 10 for two-out RBI in the entire league.
However, what makes this achievement even more impressive is that Freeman is not the leading RBI contributor on his own team. Surprisingly, both Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez have surpassed him in runs batted in during crucial situations throughout the entire season.
J.D. Martinez’s impressive RBI numbers become even more astonishing when considering that he missed over 50 games this season and still managed to accumulate a total of 96 RBIs, including an astounding 51 with two men out, a league-leading statistic.
Mookie Betts, on the other hand, has been a force to be reckoned with, leading the National League (NL) in WAR after an outstanding August performance. He remains a strong contender for the MVP title, boasting a total of 46 two-out RBIs, further highlighting his exceptional season.
One of the key factors behind the Dodgers’ success this season has been the consistency displayed across their lineup. This cohesiveness can be attributed, in large part, to the positive locker room culture cultivated by veteran additions to the clubhouse.
“I think that this team values getting a base hit more than any team that we’ve had collectively. You know, two outs, a guy on second base and you’ve got the driver in your hand and you’re a hundred yards from the pin, it doesn’t play. But if you can still just get a base hit, which we have done a lot, we’ve hit some homers in that spot. But for the most part, we get a knock. And I think that our guys — and I use Freddie — it starts with Freddie in that vain.”
via Dave Roberts, AM 570 LA
Players like Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, who previously shared the field in Atlanta, and Martinez and Betts, who had their time together in Boston, have contributed significantly to this renewed team chemistry. Additionally, Miguel Rojas has emerged as a veteran leader and a fresh face, further strengthening the Dodgers’ resolve.
As a result of this harmonious blend of talent and teamwork, the LA Dodgers are on track for yet another impressive 100-win season in 2023. The team hopes to maintain this momentum as they head into the postseason. For Dave Roberts, this regular season has marked his best managerial performance in Dodger blue to date, solidifying the Dodgers’ status as a formidable contender in the league.
