Dodgers More United Than Ever in Andrew Friedman's Eyes
The Dodgers officially punched their ticket to the playoffs Saturday night with a win over the Seattle Mariners, which gave the Dodgers their 10th National League West title in the last 11 years.
Their recent run of dominance made possible this season by the likes of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman — two MVP-caliber players, is also the result of a team chemistry that Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman hasn't seen before.
“The amount that this group has overcome — it’s hard to compare years to other years — but this feels as together and united of a group that I’ve ever been around. It’s been a really special year, with what feels like a lot of things we’ve dealt with.”
(Via the Los Angeles Times)
The season did not always seem headed towards a champagne-fueled celebration that the Dodgers enjoyed after their big win. From pitcher Clayton Kershaw missing nearly six weeks due to injury to the Dodger bullpen sporting a then-MLB worst team ERA to the recent legal developments surrounding Julio Urias' arrest under domestic violence suspicions, the 2023 Dodgers have battled through adversity.
And, on Saturday night, they celebrated their ability to overcome the many challenges the season threw their way.
“There’s nothing better than popping champagne,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “This is the most fun I’ve had managing. Certainly the players are a big part of this, and to watch those guys celebrate with one another, pull for one another, sacrifice for each other, makes my job that much more joyful.”
Via MLB.com)
The Dodgers can't celebrate too much, with 14 games remaining to attempt to steal the best record in the National League from the mighty Atlanta Braves. But, as their team chemistry continues to grow, a little champagne probably didn't hurt.
