September 8th, 2019 at 12:00 pm 
by Ron Cervenka There is no disputing that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is as positive of a major league manager as you can and will find in all of baseball – this is an absolute fact. But for as positive as the 47-year-old Naha, Japan native and Dodgers four-year skipper is and can be, it is quite possible that he might not be seeing through his rose-colored glasses what Dodger fans around the globe are seeing – that the 2019 Dodgers, once called the best team in the MLB this season by many, might very well fail to win – or even get to – the 2019 World Series.
In fact, with their suddenly inept starting rotation and an offense that once electrified Dodger fans with their exciting 12 walk-off wins this season (with 18 regular-season games left to play), the soon to be seven-time consecutive National League West champions have, by all appearances, simply run out of gas.
This is, without question, a very negative assessment (and opinion) to have, but the writing appears to be on the wall, as they say.
Whether or not ‘The Sky is Falling’ is definitely a glass-half-full / half-empty scenario and is certainly a matter of personal opinion. But while the half-full types are choosing to keep the faith, the half-empty types are painfully coming to grips with the fact that their beloved team is simply no longer the best team in all of baseball.
Following Saturday’s heartbreaking (and spirit breaking) 1-0 loss to the NL West (and already eliminated) third-place San Francisco Giants, Roberts was asked point-blank if this was a Sky is Falling scenario reminiscent of the epic late-season crash-and-burn that his team experienced in 2017.
“I don’t,” Roberts answered without hesitation. “And even right now, I think we’re seven of our last 15 or something like that. So I think that this pales in comparison to ’17. Seventeen, the sky might have been falling, so I don’t feel that way right now.”
(Image courtesy of Disney Animation)
With 18 regular-season games left to play and with a Magic Number of four, it goes beyond all reason that the Dodgers will not capture their seventh consecutive NL West title, even for the ‘half-empty’ types. But without a consistent and dominating starting rotation and a return of their once overpowering offense, Chicken Little may have very well nailed it – the sky indeed may be falling for the Dodgers … whether Roberts (and the ‘half-full’ types) choose to accept it or not.
Play Ball!
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Great article Ron and I agree with your concern.
The Road through A Long Tunnel ALWAYS👍. WE’RE Heading toward That LIGHT 👌🍾
I see the Dodgers out of the playoffs in the first round. No juice or life to this team. The Dodgers are built for the season ,not the playoffs and World Series. They’re lucky they play in an extremely weak National League West and National League overall where 90% of the teams are awful.We have one ace pitcher in Buehler and the rest number 3 and 4 starters going into the playoffs. Our offense can be pitched to as seen by the Yankees, Braves and lowly Giants. Another disappointing end to the season coming.Really sad!
Now Dave Robert’s is complaining about the starters. What about the terrible bullpen all season and his continual inept coaching. Look in the mirror
Built for the season and not the post season? That makes no sense, they haven’t won the WS, but got there 2 years in a row. You have to win a lot of PS games to do that. This is a team that will end up with around 300 wins in the past three years. Your expectations could be just a tad high. And for you “weak division” people, look st the AL East! No team in the NL West is as bad as Toronto and Baltimor. The Yanks have beaten the Os 17 times
Logic. Thank you.
It’s 162 have. There will be lulls and slumps, even for top teams. What’s odd about this?
Sorry but that is just absolute nonsense!
How about some effective batting practice..to get rid of chasing GOLF shots
I have followed what Roberts has done this whole season and have conservatively estimated that he has thrown away at least 20 games to the opposition. He has never figured out a consistent lineup and thinks nothing of sticking in a .200 average hitter in place of a regular player for no apparent reason. He also has not worked with management to either develop a minor league pitcher as a reliever or to help in a trade for a competent reliever. I believe that it’s time for Roberts to step down and relinquish the reins for a real manager.
I have felt that he is the major problem with this team for a long time.He doesn’t know hiwctonuse his bullpen. He “rests” his hottest hitters at times. I don’t think he or Honeycutt are of any help to the pitchers at all. I’ve never seen so many pitchers on the same team give up so many big hits oh and two.my pet peeve, among others, how can Pederson, Bellinger, and Muncie keep grounding out on balls in the “hole” against the shift and never bunt up the open left side for a sure hit
The Dodgers have the lowest era in all of baseball, but you think the pitching coach and manager are not helping the pitchers.
Think about that, and what your expectations are.
It is matchup based. Sometimes a. 200 hitter has had a better history vs a certain pitcher than a hard-hitting.295 hitter. Do you ever wonder why guys like Parra, who is average at best, always seems to do well vs Dodgers?
Bunt against the shift!! It’s so simple you lefty big-hitters. Bunt and they will stop shifting. You only have to do it 1 or 2X — seriously. Drives me crazy. Saturday’s 1-0 loss was a perfect example. Blown opportunity b/c they are all swinging for the fences.
How does one “hiwctonuse” a bullpen?
John, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s not Robert’s fault. The fault Hesco on the front office, because they did nothing to fix an already inept bullpen. I do not know why there is even a question anymore as to bringing up the kids and put them in the bullpen. What do you have to lose? Because as of right now, even if we get to the World Series, our bullpen can’t hold up against Houston and New York. It will be a lousy October for us again if something doesn’t change right away. You can blame Robert all you want , but he doesn’t control the front office and doesn’t make trades.
If the Dodgers get eliminated bye-bye Roberts and bye-bye front office
If Mr. Roberts stays half of Pasadena will choose another way of sports entertainment.
Dodgers will recover. It’s only the beginning of September. They just need to rest their starters and the bullpen is fine. The dodgers have the lowest ERA in the MLB. Hitting is fine.
Robert’s should have been fired in the 2017 world series with every pitcher available to pitch. Then he leaves Darvish in for 3 innings while Kershaw is begging to let him go in. He is not a manager just because you steal one base in your career. The Dodgers should have 2 world series in the last 3 years. Robert’s will always find a way to flop.
Whole heartedly agree
Thos guy sucks,, hes not a good manager. Always playing the longball, never plays what the opposition gives uou!! Everyone up there to get a HR!! Not moving runners.. Arrogant player on Bellinger,, over rated, we know qhat hes capable of in the playoffs,, same as the last 2 years. Font office also, very disgusting,, freedman,, how do you sit there and say LA is well stacked in pitching and mentioned.. those garbage pitchers like strippling, Hill… even if this guy comes back in time for play offs, its going to take time to get adjusted…not giving up or touching our farm system is just another joke!!!! thats why we have one,, thats why those players are there,, but hes so on love with the frkn prospect its ridiculous as if the Dodgers wont get any more… I hope Roberts and Freeman fet bounced.
Without even saying it, I seem to be always on the half empty side. Right now I’d say that it’s hard to tell if we’ll make it back to the World Series. I think it’s going to be a hard climb. The opposition seems too good.
The Red Sox just released Droboskisy maybe the Dodgers should consider picking him up.
SF Giants Fan here. Yup the Dodgers are crappy. Know how I can tell? They’ve only got a 92 W – 52 L record and they lead the division by only 16.5 games. Show some respect for your players and show some heart. My niece and nephew are rooting for the Dodgers. You guys sound like a bunch of Niner Winers.
I’m trying to understand but we love Bouchy in SF. Still pissed he didn’t win Coach of the Year after winning the World Series for the third time with a third underdog team. But if I’m honest, I have been tickled pink a few times after a few of Roberts’ moves against the Giants. (I won’t deny I’m enjoying the wins this late in the season.) But don’t give up on your team. Losses now will toughen up the players. And it’s just a game – nieces and nephews and your kids are far more important.
Let go dodgers all the way to the wheels fall off.dave roberts is a very good coach.
I’ve been a Dodgers fan my entire life and I’ve seen them do some remarkable things and I’ve seen them do some really dumb things. But I bleed blue win or lose to me they’re still the best team in Baseball. I’m do sick of you fare weather fans it makes me want to puke. The Giants fab above I’d right. If you’re a true blue fan, Like I am uppity take the bitter with the sweet. A true blue fan NEVER dises the Dodgers. I remember a few years back even they weren’t doing so well. I wore my Dodgers garb with pride and I head allot of comments about them, none good, and as I looked around I didn’t see too many people wearing Dodgers blue. Oh but the moment they stay playing good ball winning games going to the playoffs every where i look i see Dodgers blue. That’s sad a true fab stands behind their team you don’t jump ship the milkmen things go wrong. All you people talking about “the sky is falling” Roberts sucks or what ever negitive crap that comes it of your pie hole you can keep it to yourself because I for one don’t need to hear it and I’m sure any other true blue Dodgers fan doesn’t either. Do I say either stand by The Dodgers win or lose or step the hell off and become a fan of another team I feel you all glass half empty chumps need to have faith in our boys or kick rocks. When the Dodgers win the world series, I took down the names of all you may sayers, I’m going to post a big crap burger for you too eat. So sit back and watch the boys in blue Take it all. And had it ever occurred to any of you mental midgets that since they’re 4 games from clinching 7 national league west titles in a row they might be taking it easy to avoid getting hurt or saving some energy for the PS? You fair weather fans suck. No loyalty turn in your Dodgers jerseys, caps, T- shirts because toy don’t deserve to wear them today, tomorrow or for Ever. Whining cry babies. THE BIG BLUE WRECKING CREW don’t need fans like you! Bite Me!
I’m right by your side homie and I’ve got your back.
Well said and 100% true.
I am with you. I have been a Dodgers fan since I was a kid in the 50’s. I still am now. You don’t ever desert your team. GO DODGERS. DO YOUR BEST, THAT IS ALL WE ASK. BEAT THEM ALL. I AM 73 AND STILL ROUTING FOR YOU!
Please.. teams.. all teams.. have lulls during the season.. let’s not get all paranoid because the team has a few loses..
I agree that the team seems to be limping into the post season while other teams seem to be progressing better. Our pitching is really the issue as we don’t have a dominant starter like Verlander or Sale. A great record at this point is nothing.We need to be more dominant in all aspects of the game, not so inconsistent.
Sale dominant? He’s 6-11 with a 4.40 era!
I’ve followed the Dodgers since the early 50’s and have learned one thing…..good pitching beats good hitting. I rooted for them when they first moved to L.A. and a ” rally ” was built on a walk, a stolen base, sacrifice bunt followed by a sacrifice fly. They won a lot of 1-0 and 2-1 games because they had guys like Kolfax and Drysdale,who pitched a lot of complete games. Their last World Series championship in 1988 was against a power hitting team, the Oakland A’s but they won because of their pitching. Remember Orel Hershiser?
I think Clayton Kershaw isn’t as good. He gives up too many homeruns after pitching only 5 or 6 innings. Good batters play most of the schedule and will have slumps over a full season. Starting pitchers, if they’re good, will show it and they only play a portion of the games.
Dodgers are tired…Kersh is done…too bad…they need Lasorda about now
I agree the Dodgers may be tired but with Roberts rotating the new talent into the lineup in the ” homestretch ” I think he’s trying to create depth for the playoffs. Unless it’s a matter of conditioning, the regulars shouldn’t be any more tired than all the other playoff bound teams. I still say their success is dependent on their pitching which is questionable.
Kersh is done? Really? How so?
Is the sky falling for Dodgers? No, not with a 17 game lead with 17 to play, but ask again after the playoffs begin.
Some of you guys need a new hobby/interest, something where the outcome can be predicted with absolute certainty. Maybe watching old reruns, over and over, where you know how the movie ends. Not being able to predict the future with absolute certainty seems to be more than many can handle.
I don’t know if anybody here has ever played baseball, but if you have, you should know the best team doesn’t always win. Never forget, ANYTHING can happen in MLB baseball. In the meantime, ponder these:
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failures behind and start over again. That’s the way life is, with a new game every day, and that’s the way baseball is.” – Bob Feller
“One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in a while you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something.” – Nolan Ryan
“There are three types of baseball players: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens.” – Tommy Lasorda
“My feeling is that when you’re managing a baseball team, you have to pick the right people to play and then pray a lot.” – Robin Roberts
One more thought, the only people limping into the playoffs seem to be some LA Dodgers fans. I have heard of the 12th man in professional football. Some MLB baseball teams might have the advantage of a 10th man. Sadly, seems like the LA Dodgers don’t even have a 9 and 1/2 man team.
NOTE: Spirited debates are fine and absolutely welcomed here. But name-calling and profanity are not. Comments containing either will be deleted and the commenter(s) banned.
Be passionate but respectful.
Thank you.
Ron Cervenka
Site Administrator
Roberts should be fired before end of season if they want to compete for championship
You guys know that the dodgers are 5-2 in sept and 22-13 since aug 1 right? And that they have a17 game lead? And that they are 43-20 vs the NL central and East? Oh and the NL west may have the one of the wildcard for the 4th straight year. Yeah you’re right, they stink! Concerns about getting to the World Series, definitely, but nowhere near a melt down. About 27 other teams would love to have the dodgers problems!
Shhhh, don’t confuse the chicken littles with facts!
Seems to me the Snakes have settled that WC issue.
Leo says is not about losing a couple games is about the players like Bellinger, Pederson, Turner and the rest just wanting to hit homeruns all of the time at the plate when the way the infield plays them very easily they can get on base with a bunting but no it has to be a homerun just because their family and friends told them that the more homers they hit the more money they’ll make is all about money, and why is Jack Pederson even playing? Is he related to someone in the front office? One homerun or two in one game and 0 for 30 after that and still in the lineup, Really!!!!
Joc has 32 homers and is hitting .240, what planet are you from?
I have to admit, I don’t know Jack. Who’s he playing for?
Pederson has his shortcomings but his 870 OPS is equal or near to what Harper and Acuna are doing this year.
DR pitching decisions cost WS last year, he and front office seem to be pleased with winning the division. DR needs to go
I blame last year on Honeycutt and Farhan. Platoon till it hurts and pulling starters too soon smells like the Dodgers version of Money-Ball. Wait, when was the last time the A’s won anything?
I’m just sick that the Dodger’s didn’t add a closer at the break. Kenley has been awful for a very long time. A lot of last year, and all of this year. Players get rejuvenated when the front office does something to improve the team at the Deadline and the Dodger’s did nothing. Meanwhile the Atros added Greinke and sport the top 3 pitchers by Whip in baseball. It’s Verlander vs Darvish again but much worse. How can you stand-pat when Kenley has been bad all year? I’m looking at the hot Cardinals and the hotter Braves and wonder if we’re even going to get out of the NL.. Sad.
Been Dodger fan since they moved to west coast. Bullpen is terrible,no hitting in key games.Have #1 starting pitcher other teams they face have several #1s. Jansen is no longer a closer.Have need for some trades this coming off season.
That’s a strange world you are living in…
The Dodgers have supreme talent. Why do they struggle with mediocre teams? Because of their garbage manager. If there is a wrong move to make, he will make it. It’s sad because they are too good to lose like they do. Losing to the Nats right now. Maeda pitching well. Let’s take him out and bring Urias in. Now they are down 5-1. Let’s pinch hit a guy who is 0 for 12 with 10 k’s. When you have Hernandez, Freeze and Taylor sitting there. All better options. This guy was handed a stud team that cannot win when it counts. Time to send him back to Boston as a bench coach.