Inside The Cage: Are The Dodgers Good, Or Just Plain Lucky?

Dodgers Left Fielder Matt Kemp and Right Fielder Yasiel Puig

The Dodgers might not go on another historic run as they did last year, going 42-8 in the final months of the 2013 season. But, going 14-7 after losing the series against the Chicago White Sox does mean that this club is heading in the right direction. And since losing the series against the White Sox to open up my birthday month, the worst they've done is split a series with a still-dangerous Reds team. If they can manage to split the last series of said handsome guy’s birth month, I’d say they’re still the team to beat in the NL West.

That might not be saying much, but let’s face it, teams like the Padres and Diamondbacks give the Dodgers the most problems.

The Dodgers have other pressing issues at hand as well, not just trying to win against underachieving teams. The first issue that comes to mind: Center Field. Andre Ethier is a solid fielder, just not a TRUE Center Fielder, and the minor league play and lack of communication of OF Scott Van Slyke last night is proof that you can’t-- shouldn't just throw anyone out there.

Maybe it’s time to start thinking about bringing up the talented Mr. Rip-- I mean, Joc Pederson? Possibly, but injuring his shoulder while trying to make a play in the field derailed the thought-train before pulling out of the station.

The outfield situation is steadily resolving itself, with the recent resurgence of Matt Kemp transitioning to Left Field without mishaps like the last few that cost him his Center Fielders job. Yasiel Puig continues to keep a firm grasp on his Right Field position, as well. I know, he’s been struggling at the plate as of late, but in reality, there’s no one I’d rather have playing Right Field for the Dodgers with the exception of Giancarlo Stanton. Even then, I’d throw him over to Left Field as he doesn't have a cannon for an arm like Puig does. I digress.

Now, assuming the Dodgers can win this series, or even come out with a split, they have a chance to take the division lead over arch-rival San Francisco, if they’re lucky. Of course, that all boils down to whether or not the Giants continue losing as they have been, and in baseball, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

Will the Dodgers finally start playing up to the standards set by the entire baseball community, or will they have to keep depending on luck? I guess only time will tell. As for today, former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke takes the mound this afternoon to try for his 10th win of the season, against the Cardinals 8-game winner, Lance Lynn. It won’t be a walk in the park for these Los Angeles Dodgers, as it always feels like October when playing against these St. Louis Cardinals. Who knows, maybe they’ll get lucky.

UPDATE: Zack Greinke was untouchable in 7 innings as the Dodgers were able to pound the Cardinals 8-game winner, Lance Lynn, with a final score of 1-9. They can take the series with a win today with staff-ace Clayton Kershaw on the mound today.