January 2nd, 2019 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka It is a saying that is as old as the game of baseball itself – “Wait till next year” – or a popular variation “There’s always next year.”
In fact, it became the mantra of the Chicago Cubs, who went 107 years between World Series titles; from 1908 until they finally won it again in 2016.
But even though the Northsiders would repeat as National League Central Division winners in 2017, they were soundly defeated by our beloved Dodgers in the 2017 National League Championship Series four games to one, prompting one clever Cubs fan to wear this T-shirt:
(Google images)
Unfortunately, the Dodgers appear to be following in the footsteps of their National League brethren, having now gone 30 years between World Series titles; this in spite of continually having one of the highest payrolls in all of baseball … and Dodger fans are very tired of it.
There is no disputing that winning six consecutive NL West titles and two consecutive NL pennants is a major accomplishment, for which the players, coaches, and front office staff received nice rings and the organization a lovely NLCS trophy. But the brutally cold hard truth is that being runners-up in the World Series (let alone twice) is akin to finishing second in a gunfight.
(Images courtesy of @suejo825 and Ron Cervenka)
Although the Dodgers have yet to make the major off-season acquisition that many are expecting them to either via trade or by signing a free agent, there is on-going speculation (and endless rumors) that they will do so before pitchers and catchers report for spring training next month. This includes possibly signing (likely) future Hall of Fame outfielder Bryce Harper to what figures to be one of – if not the – most expensive contracts in baseball history; or (dare I say it) bringing back controversial shortstop Manny Machado, ditto.
But even if Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman decides to play the hand that he has been dealt, and it’s an exceptionally good hand, Dodger fans will accept nothing less than a return to the World Series in 2019 – this time winning the gunfight.
…because it is now ‘Next Year.’
Play Ball!
Posted in 
Such a pretty trophy. It’s time to bring it back home.
THIS YEAR
🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
You’re right, “Dodger fans will accept nothing less than a return to the World Series in 2019 – this time winning the gunfight”.
Poker is a good analogy for where we are. Friedman has built up a nice bankroll by winning lots of small pots. He is now armed, sitting with his back to the wall, with lots of chips and is holding an exceptionally good hand. A good situation to be in! Unfortunately, he still isn’t sitting with an inside straight flush, a sure winner, like James Bond was in Casino Royale. But the path to victory is there.
Bluffing won’t work, the other players are also sitting with exceptionally good hands and lots of chips, in some cases with even more chips. The situation isn’t perfect, but it’s still awfully good. Time to push a lot of those chips into the center of the table.
1. Get a super-star! There are two 26 yr old super stars just sitting there for the taking. Get ONE with a high AAV, 5-6 yr contract, with 3 yr opt-out.
2. Forget Kluber, instead beef up the bullpen some more. The Herrera rumors, if true is a good start, but get even one more SHUTDOWN reliever. Brad Hand would be perfect. To win a Championship a deep lockdown bullpen is the closest thing to an inside straight flush.
3. Wait, but hold some chips in reserve for Realmuto (if Grandal doesn’t come back on a one or two year deal with a one year opt-out). Don’t pay through the nose for Realmuto the Marlins are bluffing.
That’s my plan, if we’re going to win this gunfight we need to start throwing some lead at the other guys right now.
Heard on MLB Network Radio yesterday that a long-term contract for Harper might actually include TWO opt-outs (e.g.: one at two years and one at three or four years). This is absolutely unprecedented and soooo Scott Boras.
Dodgers MUST address RH hitting needs, preferable an impact player for the middle of lineup. and he must be one who will be in there regularly, not platooned. Realmuto fits that bill, but if not him, someone to balance out this LH dominant lineup or it could be a long year facing every LHP in sight.
One thing different about losing a gunfight. When you lose a gunfight, you’re usually dead.