The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the midst of a slump which has caused some short-sighted fans to panic. Pundits now question the front office, after praising them only a few weeks earlier. There is reason for optimism throughout the Dodger’s empire, despite the losing of late. The Dodgers still possess the Major League’s best record. Stepping away from the current events can lend to a perspective needed to understand, the Dodgers are fine. In fact, the entire Dodgers organization is thriving from top to bottom. The team has a bright future.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Have a Bright Future
Think Blue – Positively
The evidence of success can not only be found in the results on the field, but also in the attitude of the players, coaches and staff. Confidence, enthusiasm and intelligence is beaming from the Dodgers farm system. Out of the eight farm teams, six have clinched a playoff berth. Only the Great Lakes Loons (69-70, .496) at Low-A ball and the Oklahoma City Dodgers (72-69, .511) of Triple-A have failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2017.
Playoff Bound
The Tulsa Drillers (77-63, .550), led by Texas League MVP, Matt Beaty, clinched a playoff spot in Double-A. The team experienced a lackluster start to the season, then turned the season around in the second half for the playoff push.
The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (76-64, .543) at Advanced-A ball also boast a Most Valuable Player: outfielder DJ Peters. The centerfielder from Glendora, Ca. consistently drove in runs, and drove the ball gap to gap in the California League.
The Ogden Raptors (47-28,.627) recently clinched a playoff berth as well. The Rookie ball affiliate of the Dodgers was an offensive juggernaut leading the Pioneer League in team batting average (.319) while being second in home runs (103).
The Arizona Instructional League team of the Dodgers (37-19, .661) had the best record in the league. They reached the playoffs only to be eliminated by the AZL Cubs.
Both Dominican Summer League Dodgers teams faced off against each other in the Dominican Summer League Championship Game.
Conservation Corps
Player Development is the cornerstone of any farm system. The Dodgers certainly have many success stories in that regard. The organization projects to produce at least 2–3 MLB quality players each of the next four seasons. This ensures playoff contending teams for years to come.
The Dodgers should be considered winners at this year’s trade deadline with the talent preserved. Imagine if the front office dealt Cody Bellinger two seasons ago. Dodgers fans in the future will be thankful for the foresight of management to keep Peters, Yadier Alvarez, Dennis Santana, Alex Verdugo, Edwin Rios, Dustin May, Trevor Oaks, and Walker Buehler to name a few.
One’s perspective can become clearer the farther one steps away from the situation. This funk will pass. The game of baseball has many peaks and valleys during a long season. The fans want a World Series ring this year. The front office is attempting to win multiple World Series rings for the foreseeable future. That is the key difference.
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