Remember when opposing teams couldn’t wait to roll into Dodger Stadium, or even better, have the Dodgers roll into their own stadiums?

It wasn’t all that long ago. In fact, the date that has been generally accepted as the turnaround day for the 2013 Dodgers is June 22 – the day following the last time that the Dodgers lost two games in a row.

Prior to that ‘Liberation Day’ for the Dodgers, many Dodger fans had all but written off the 2013 season and were actually counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training 2014. But instead, the Dodgers went on a hot streak of the likes not seen in nearly a century, a hot streak comprised of a 42-8 record including a mind-boggling 25-3 since the All-Star break; a streak facilitated by a seemingly unstoppable offense and a pitching staff (both starting and relieving) reminiscent of the 1960’s era Dodgers.

The Dodgers incredible and historic run now has teams absolutely dreading going to Dodger Stadium or even having to face them in front of their hometown fans. Sure, you will never hear opposing players, managers or coaches admit this, but you can bet the farm that it’s in their respective heads – especially those with a Phoenix zip code.

Could it be that the grand master of mind games is now experiencing them himself? (Photo credit – Scott Cunningham)

It is never wise to get cocky over your successes because heaven knows other teams can turn things around too. But when you consider that since June 22 the Dodgers nearest division rivals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, are 23-25, it’s going to require the D-backs to play better in their remaining 41 games than the Dodgers have played in their last 50 games to make the race for the NL West title even remotely close – a monumental task at the very least.

All of this being said, there are still seven games to be played between the Dodgers and D-backs – three at Dodger Stadium (September 9-11) and four in the desert (September 16-19). But when you consider that the Dodgers are currently on a 19-1 road streak before play today and are 6-2 at home since the All-Star break, you can bet that the D-backs are dreading those remaining seven contests with the Dodgers – even if they refuse to admit it.