With the Dodgers on the cusp of measuring their current losing streak in weeks instead of games or even days, they received a bit of inspiration from among their own ranks only moments after suffering their sixth consecutive home loss on Saturday evening.
Handwritten on a white board located just inside the main door to the Dodgers clubhouse – a white board used exclusively for important (and private) messages from the coaching staff to the players – was a message in red marker ink that was direct and to the point:
As it turns out, the author of the message was not Dodgers manager Dave Roberts or bench coach Bob Geren or hitting coach Turner Ward or any of the other Dodgers coaches or trainers. Its author was 13-year MLB veteran Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and its message was clear – put it all behind you because tomorrow’s a new day.
Although Gonzalez is among those struggling the most during the Dodgers current skid – their worst since an eight-game losing streak from May 1-10, 2013 that preceded their historic 42-8 run – he is without question the clubhouse leader and his message was received by his teammates loud and clear. It also generated a response from the Dodgers other unofficial captain, veteran catcher A.J. Ellis, and a follow-up comment from AGon:
While there are some who undoubtedly view Gonzalez’s message as little more than clubhouse cheerleading, when it comes from a guy of AGon’s stature and is acknowledged by another of the team’s most respected members, it carries a great deal of credibility with it. And whether or not AGon’s message and Ellis’ endorsement will thwart a seventh consecutive home loss – which would be the longest home losing streak at Dodger Stadium since it opened in 1962 – remains to be seen, pity the fool who chooses to ignore it.
I watched both Mets/Giants games and after both Met’s wins, I’ve had a big shy of relief knowing that the Giants had been stymied and would make the Dodger game more easier to watch later on. Just hoping we can finally win one today.
That S/B SIGH of relief, not shy
Well at least Kershaw was paying attention. And as it has always been, actions speak louder than words, but I like the positive vibes.