The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their final homestand in impressive fashion, sweeping the Colorado Rockies in a four-game series to win a fourth straight National League West title. But after a celebration and day off, Los Angeles lost five of six to close out the season.
Their skid played a role in the Washington Nationals securing home-field advantage in the NL Division Series, and the San Francisco Giants earning a spot in the NL Wild Card Game. That the Dodgers ended their season on a down note isn’t of much concern for manager Dave Roberts.
“I’ve been on teams where we clinched early and teams where we clinched late. The No. 1 priority for us is to go in healthy and align the pitching staff, which we’ve done,” Roberts said Tuesday during media availability at Dodger Stadium.
“Now with the regular season over, we can look toward the second season. I think our guys have been able to reset and refocus. I don’t thinking losing five of six will impact us.”
With the Dodgers entering their fourth straight postseason, the same expectation remains in place — to win their first World Series since 1988. Los Angeles has yet to advance beyond the NLDS since 2013.
There are holdovers from previous NL West-wining teams, but the 2016 Dodgers also feature a wave of new, young faces. Roberts believes that plays a role in this year’s club being immune to any mounting pressure.
“I think this is a different team. Every year is different. Yes, there’s a few guys that have been around on those teams but as a whole,” Roberts explained. “This is a different group of guys and this is a different season. I don’t think that will affect or impact us in any way.
“[The players] have answered all the questions I had or that they had about themselves. From responding to certain situations, how to handle success, some adversities. I think they really learned a lot about each other.”
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman echoed a similar sentiment. “I’ve seen it countless times when you clinch. There’s just that little bit of edge that’s gone in terms of preparation. And also, we were using guys in different spots,” he said.
“I’ve been with teams that have rolled into the playoffs and not had success. I’ve been with teams that have struggled heading in and had a lot of success. The playoffs are a totally different season. I’m confident in this group and the focus and mindset going in.”
