The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a 7-4 start in the 2020 season, with both plenty and positives and negatives to take away. On the latest episode of “DodgerHeads,” featuring host Jeff Spiegel and DodgerBlue.com senior writer/editor Daniel Starkand, the pair discussed the start to the season as well as other National League West and MLB storylines.
Spiegel and Starkand both picked out their three biggest takeaways from the season so far, and the former went with Dave Roberts’ questionable managing, Corey Seager’s hot start and the production of the team’s young players.
The latter highlighted the emergence of the bullpen, Mookie Betts signing a contract extension and immediately making an impact in all facets of the game, and Clayton Kershaw looking healthy and strong in his first start of the season.
With Cody Bellinger breaking out of his early-season slump, homering in back-to-back games, he was able to avoid the list.
The conversation then shifted to the Dodgers’ competition in the NL West and the hot starts of the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies. While the Rockies may currently be in first place, Starkand and Spiegel agreed that it will be difficult for their pitching staff to keep up their strong start to the year.
The Padres, on the other hand, are looking like legitimate contenders that could challenge the Dodgers for the division, although with an expanded postseason, winning the NL West isn’t as important this season.
To close out the show, the duo did a rapid fire segment about storylines around the league, although they started with the Dodgers and Joe Kelly’s eight-game suspension for throwing at the Houston Astros. While Kelly’s suspension may be reduced after an appeal, many around the league feel that eight games was too harsh, especially in a shortened 60-game season.
They then finished by discussing the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks around the league, mostly in the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals organizations and what players need to do to stay safe.
Also, a few other stars around the league in addition to Bellinger are off to a slow starts, which may or may not be cause for concern.
Roberts anticipated tough series with Padres
The Dodgers had a two-game winning streak snapped by the Padres in a back-and-forth game. “I was not surprised. We expected three good ones this series,” Roberts said after the loss.
“Lamet going, Richards on Wednesday, and this is a very talented offensive club. They’re playing well, they’ve got a lot of confidence, so this was no surprise.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
