Let's just set aside all the extra-curricular activities surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers. Let's just wrap that up, and put it in the other room. Yes, I know that will take a really long time, but let's just do that. Let's try to focus on baseball, the reason why anyone cares about the Dodgers in the first place.
Let's look at their on-field product right now. They are 37-49, good for 14th in a 16 team league. Actually, they're 27th out of 30 teams in the majors. They are last in their division, two games behind the San Diego Padres.
Now let's presume that the Dodgers will continue this trend that they've started in 2011. They are one of the worst hitting teams in the National League and near the middle of the pack in pitching. Most importantly, I'm in the midst of watching the Dodgers strand all 9 of their base runners, while making Mike Pelfrey look like Randy Johnson AT Dodger Stadium. I see no reason why their winning percentage should change dramatically.
Since 1900 only two Brooklyn or Los Angeles Dodgers teams have ever finished in last place. Two teams in 111 seasons - the 1905 Brooklyn Superbas and the 1992 Los Angeles Dodgers. Yes, there have been the same number of World Wars in that time span as there have been last-place Dodger seasons. Even with the advent of 5 or 6 team divisions within the two leagues, the Dodgers have always played with enough pride and hustle to avoid being being at the bottom of the standings.
So beyond all the judges, legal briefs and court rulings, this could be one of the most historic seasons in the 100-plus years of Dodgers history. For all the wrong reasons. Just another amazing accomplishment under the stewardship of the McCourt family.
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