The Los Angeles Dodgers implemented multiple changes last October that several players ultimately pointed back to as being instrumental in helping the team win the World Series.
Among the adjustments made were the Dodgers only having players on their primary plane when traveling, which carried into this year. Players also made more of a concerted effort to spend time together beyond workout days.
Simply put, the Dodgers collectively went all-in on their postseason focus.
With the team having secured a playoff spot for a 13th consecutive year but likely facing a new hurdle by way of the Wild Card Series, the topic of honing focus has already been broached.
Manager Dave Roberts brought it up while addressing the clubhouse following Friday’s game. He called on players to be mindful of a National League West title still hanging in the balance to close out the regular season.
“That’s why I wanted to touch on the next six weeks, it wasn’t four weeks,” Roberts explained of his message. “It was right now, going forward, and having that mindset. Like I said, we’re playing our best baseball, which is timely. We’ve just got to continue it as well as that mindset.”
When the Dodgers faced elimination against the San Diego Padres in the NL Division Series last October, Roberts challenged his team to embrace a “street fight” mentality. That’s another aspect he’s hopeful carries over from last year, particularly with the Dodgers facing the prospect of needing two additional wins to accomplish their goal.
“I think last year was a different sort of message as far as how I felt we needed to attack that Padres series when we were down, to turn into street fighters. I think from that point on, we played that role,” Roberts said.
“The gloves were off and we played as such, and so I thought that was needed. There’s certainly going to be more of that, because I feel that’s postseason baseball.”
Dodgers focused for playoffs
With the Dodgers having endured several obstacles and inconsistent stretches, their level of play and focus has improved as the regular season draws to a close.
“It’s completely unselfish baseball, it’s team first, it’s guys talking about the right things. I think that’s the way it needs to be,” Roberts said.
“We’ve had enough guys in the clubhouse that have won and understand that’s what it takes, as well as some luck, to this year win 13 games in October. But yeah, I think we’ve got a great group and guys are laser-focused on we’ve got a long way to go to accomplish our goal.”
And once the Dodgers begin their playoff run, Roberts expects them to again be just as committed as they were last year.
“I just think obviously when you get to the postseason, there’s a lot of distractions that take you off your game and the most important thing as far as our jobs,” he said. “Just trying to make sure guys are reminded that collectively, it’s got to be the most important thing outside of faith and family.
“There’s other things that are just not important, and I feel the teams that pour everything into the postseason, you have a lot more to lose. So when you do that, then you’re all-in, essentially. I think that’s when you can get the best results.”
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!
