Standouts
Adrian Gonzalez: The 34-year old first baseman is enjoying another productive season despite seeing his power numbers declining rapidly (.412 slugging percentage, seven home runs).
To make up for it, Gonzalez is reaching base safely at an elite rate (.370 on-base percentage) and is still hitting for solid average (.291). Additionally, he ranks second on the team in doubles and RBIs with 17 and 44, respectively.
Joc Pederson: Despite entering the All-Star break on the disabled list, Pederson had been one of the Dodgers’ most consistent bats during the first half of the season.
Among qualified teammates, he ranks second in OPS (.804), slugging percentage (.476), home runs (13) and OPS+ (116). Pederson typically sits against left-handed pitchers, but his slash line against righties is superb at .246/.341/.498 in 232 plate appearances.
He’s received just 30 plate appearances against southpaws and hit .154/.233/.308 with one double, one home run and five RBIs.
Justin Turner: Undergoing knee surgery during the offseason, Turner headed into the 2016 with a fresh start. While it took him awhile to get things going offensively, his bat is beginning to mirror its form from the past two seasons.
In 344 plate appearances, Turner is batting .256/.331/.445 (110 OPS+) with 30 extra-base hits and a team-high 44 RBIs. In addition to Turner’s valuable bat, he has continued to play solid defense at third base and will be a vital piece to the puzzle moving forward.
Chase Utley: The seemingly ageless Utley has been a staple at the leadoff spot for the Dodgers this season, reaching base at a high clip (.349 OBP) and coming through with clutch hits.
Offensively, he’s been around league average (98 OPS+) because of his declining power but his true value to the team is the leadership that he provides on and off the field. It also doesn’t hurt that he owns the New York Mets, as evidenced by his .308/.345/.731 slash line in seven games against them this season.
CONTINUE READING: Selecting An MVP From Position Players
