During the 2022 season the Los Angeles Dodgers featured a few different celebrations from their head tap to the hang loose sign and their pepper grinding motion.
While those brought some life to the team, they were only featured after a big moment, such as an RBI hit or home run. When the Dodgers were struggling, it sometimes looked like they lacked energy, which was most apparent during the National League Division Series.
Some fans began to notice the lack of energy and emotion from the team, and that view was shared by a rival National League scout, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I was shocked at how boring they were as a team,” said one rival NL scout, who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly. “It’s a very professional team, and it’s a very good team. But I’d like to see a little more emotion.”
Although it’s not clear if extra emotion would have helped the Dodgers during the playoffs, it is something they have not been able to maintain as often without players such as Yasiel Puig, Kiké Hernandez and Joc Pederson on the roster.
Hanser Alberto attempted to bring some of that energy to the team, but that’s hard for anyone to do when his role is primarily as a bench player with limited production when he is on the field.
It remains to be seen if Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will agree with that scout’s assessment, but it would be worthwhile to try to add a player who could help spark the team when the offense is struggling.
Padres believe Dodgers took NLDS for granted
The Dodgers won 14 of 19 matchups against the San Diego Padres during the 2022 regular season, but the script was flipped in their NLDS meeting.
L.A. went up 1-0 in the series only to lose three straight games to end their season. It was the first series the Dodgers lost to the Padres in 2022 and their first back-to-back losses.
Friedman called it an, “organizational failure,” while some Padres players reportedly believed the Dodgers overlooked them in the NLDS because of recent history.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
