December 1, 2024 • 18 mins
Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the Los Angeles Dodgers' transformative offseason and their unforgettable 2024 campaign. What if one player could redefine the course of a team's destiny? Join us as we explore the staggering $700 million signing of baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers' strategic blueprint to regain their championship crown. From the addition of power-hitting outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to the savvy pitching signings of Tyler Glasnow and Yoshi Yamamoto, we delve into the master plan that set the stage for the Dodgers' resurgence on the baseball diamond.
Feel the excitement and passion as we recount the Dodgers' thrilling postseason run in 2024. With mid-season trades bringing in key talents like Tommy Edmund, Michael Kopech, and Jack Flattery, the Dodgers fortified their lineup for the battles ahead. Discover how stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, who delivered a jaw-dropping 50-50 season, powered the team past the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets in high-stakes matchups. Relive the moments of resilience and brilliance that led the Dodgers to their World Series triumph, cementing their legacy in baseball history.
Be sure to go to FREE Baseball Real-Time DiamondView to get all the latest going on in MLB in one website plus access to 2024 MLB player overall, lefty, and righty stats to sort, filter, and/or group!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up
look from the top step of thedugout.
Welcome to the BaseballClassics Podcast.
Covering any season from 1901to the present, We'll explore
exciting pennant races, diveheadfirst, analyzing and even
doing some comparisons that arebound to settle an argument or
(00:24):
start one up.
And now here's your host, DeanPitino.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello again everybody .
Thanks so much for tuning in toBaseball Classics Diamondcast.
It's always my pleasure to bewith you and, before we begin, a
reminder to head on over tobaseballclassicscom slash
diamondview to get the latestand greatest, the most
comprehensive coverage,everything that's happening in
Major League Baseball all in onewebsite.
(00:53):
You won't find this anywhereelse.
It's baseballclassicscom slashdiamondview free, no login.
You'll get the latest traderumors, the latest news, the
latest transactions, the freeagent signings, trades and so
much more of course, during theregular season, scores and
schedules and the standings, andand there's videos to watch on
(01:15):
and on.
It's all there withinbaseballclassicscom slash
diamond view and so easy tonavigate as well.
I guarantee you won't findanother site that's like this.
We've designed thisspecifically for major league
baseball fans to get everythingthey need in a cliff notes type
version, so we know you're busyand this way you can get your
(01:37):
dose of major league baseballevery day and stay on the pulse
of what's happening.
Baseballclassicscom slashdiamond view.
All right, let's talk aboutwhat's coming up here on the
Diamond Cast and for the next 30days we're going to review and
look ahead for each team inMajor League Baseball, starting
with the Los Angeles Dodgers andwe'll end with the Chicago
(02:00):
White Sox, who had the worstseason since 1901, major League
Baseball history.
So we're going to cover all theteams in between, go through
all the playoff teams first,then we'll wind up where we
finish up, with the ChicagoWhite Sox.
That will wrap up on December30th.
So again, one team one day.
Here we go, starting with the2024 Los Angeles Dodgers and
(02:23):
their dominance in the offseason.
Following their disappointing23 campaign, the Dodgers faced
mounting pressure to redefinetheir legacy and capture the
championship form their fans soeagerly longed for.
What followed was a sequence ofstrategic moves and tenacious
play that crafted a season toremember.
In the fall of 2023, as theWorld Series wrapped up and the
(02:46):
calendar flipped to theoffseason, that's when the
Dodgers went to work they foundthemselves facing pivotal
decisions.
Following the 2023 season thatfell short of their championship
aspirations, the Dodgersorganization, led by their
astute front office, wasdetermined to retool their
roster and make another strongmove for the 2024 season.
(03:10):
With a mix of shrewd trades,impactful free agent signings
and a few calculated risks, theDodgers set their sights on
bringing another World Seriestitle to Los Angeles.
On December 9th 2023, everythingchanged.
Shoei Ohtani redefined thelimits of Major League Baseball
contracts by signing arecord-breaking 10-year $700
(03:34):
million deal with the LosAngeles Dodgers.
This monumental agreementshattered Mike Trout's previous
Major League Baseball recordcontract of $426.5 million and
solidified Otani's place as oneof the most sought-after
athletes in baseball history.
(03:55):
With no opt-out clausesincluded, his contract ensures
Otani will remain a cornerstoneof the Dodgers' future for the
next decade.
A unique aspect of thisagreement lies in its innovative
structure, with the majority ofOtani's salary deferred, and
this feature was suggested byOtani himself.
(04:16):
It provided the Dodgers withcrucial financial flexibility to
navigate the competitivebalance tax while keeping their
championship aspirations intact.
The deal also marks a pivotalmove for Otani as he transitions
from the Angels to theircrosstown rival just 30 miles up
the I-5 freeway.
(04:37):
Otani's illustrious careerspeaks for itself A unanimous AL
MVP in 2021 and again in 2023.
Otani, of course, proved hisprowess as both a hitter and a
pitcher.
Over his career he boasted a274 batting average with 171
home runs and a pitching recordof 38 and 19, accompanied by a
(05:01):
stellar 3.01 ERA and 608strikeouts.
The recent elbow surgery willsideline his pitching duties in
2024.
Otani's bat is set to make animmediate impact alongside
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman andMookie Betts Reflecting on this
next chapter.
Otani shared his excitementabout joining one of baseball's
most storied franchises.
He pledged to always do what'sbest for the team.
(05:21):
Otani shared his excitementabout joining one of baseball's
most storied franchises.
He pledged to always do what'sbest for the team and expressed
a heartfelt desire to bringWorld Series parades to the
streets of Los Angeles Paradesplural.
As the Dodgers welcome Otaniinto their fold.
His addition signals not only anew era for the team, but also
(05:46):
sets an unprecedented benchmarkfor the future of Major League
Baseball contracts.
This historic signing caps offa transformative offseason for
the Dodgers, who also addedpower-hitting outfielder Teoscar
Hernandez to their lineup.
Hernandez, inked a four-yeardeal in the offseason, brings a
dynamic blend of power andproduction to the lineup, having
(06:06):
hit 26 home runs and driven in94 RBIs in 2023.
His presence in the lineupfurther strengthens the Dodgers
formidable offense, nowbolstered by Otani's bat and
surrounded by stars like FreddieFreeman and Mookie Betts.
Now, from the outset, theDodgers offseason strategy was
clear Prioritize depth andversatility, especially in their
(06:29):
pitching rotation and bullpen.
Recognizing that a strongpitching staff would be critical
, they pursued arms capable ofhandling the grind of a full
season and the intensity ofOctober baseball.
One of the Dodgers' keyacquisitions was veteran starter
Tyler Glasnow, secured througha significant trade with Tampa
Bay, known for his highstrikeout potential and
(06:51):
intimidating mound presence.
This addition addressed apressing need and instantly
elevated the Dodgers' startingrotation to one of the most
formidable in the NationalLeague.
In preparation for the 2024season, the Dodgers also made a
splash in free agency with thesigning of Japanese pitching
sensation Yoshi Yamamoto.
(07:13):
Known for his pinpoint control,devastating splitter and
ability to handle high-pressuresituations, yamamoto brought a
new level of talent to theDodgers rotation.
His addition was seen as a gamechanger, giving the Dodgers a
reliable ace who could deliverquality starts deep into the
games and anchor the pitchingstaff through the rigors of a
(07:36):
long season.
Yamamoto's presence immediatelystrengthened the Dodgers
rotation alongside proven armslike Clayton Kershaw and Tyler
Glasnow.
His unique pitching style addedvariety to the rotation,
keeping opponents off balanceand helping the team stay
competitive in crucial matchups.
Yamamoto quickly adapted toMajor League Baseball,
(07:58):
showcasing his talent againstsome of the league's best
hitters and proving why he wasone of the most sought-after
international stars.
As the 2024 season kicked off,the Dodgers quickly emerged as a
powerhouse in the NationalLeague West, led by a lineup
stacked with elite talent.
Mookie Betts and FreddieFreeman set the tone early,
(08:20):
delivering standout performancesthat showcased their all-star
caliber.
Freeman's combination of powerand consistency at the plate and
Betts' dynamic athleticism inthe field and on the bases were
driving forces behind theDodgers' offense, which quickly
became one of the most feared inthe league.
One of the season's mostthrilling highlights came during
(08:40):
a season against divisionrivals, the San Diego Padres.
In a three-game sweep, theDodgers showcased their pitching
strength, with Tyler Glasnowand newcomer Yoshi Yamamoto
delivering dominant performances, stifling the Padres' potent
lineup.
This sweep ignited the Dodgers'fan base and set a
psychological tone for thedivision, proving the Dodgers
(09:04):
had the firepower and depth tocontrol their own destiny.
However, the biggest impact camefrom Shoei Otani, whose signing
was one of the most talkedabout moves of the offseason.
As the first player in MajorLeague Baseball history to
achieve a 50-50 season, otanibrought a once-in-a-generation
skill that transformed theDodgers lineup into an offseason
(09:28):
juggernaut.
Though an injury limited hispitching throughout the season,
otani's bat alone made himinvaluable.
His power, speed and ability tochange the game with one swing
or sprint added a new level ofexcitement to Dodgers Stadium,
captivating fans and driving theDodgers offense, with the trio
(09:50):
of Betts, freeman and Otanileading the way.
The Dodgers entered into eachseries as a formidable opponent.
Their balanced lineup ofexperienced sluggers, combined
with a pitching staff anchoredby Yamamoto and Glasnow, set the
team up for sustained success.
Throughout the season, theDodgers focused on proven talent
, and their ability to executein high-stakes matchups made
(10:14):
them favorites not only in thedivision but in the National
League as a whole, positioningthemselves as serious contenders
heading into the postseason.
Amid season trades and turningpoints as the all-star break
approached, the dodgersrecognized that a few targeted
moves could set them apart in acompetitive division race and
prepare them for a deeppostseason run.
(10:35):
Already equipped with atalented core, the front office
saw opportunities to enhanceboth their lineup versatility
and pitching depth.
At the trade deadline, theDodgers executed several bold
acquisitions that would provecrucial down the stretch.
The first major move wasbringing in Tommy Edmund, a
(10:55):
switch-hitting infielder knownfor his speed, defensive
flexibility because he couldplay outfield as well and a
reliable bat.
Edmund's ability to playmultiple positions, especially
in the middle infield andoutfield, gave manager Dave
Roberts a versatile weapon whocould slot into various spots
depending on matchups.
His speed and high baseball IQadded another dimension to the
(11:18):
Dodgers lineup, enhancing theiroptions in both strategic and
late game situations.
Another pivotal acquisition wasMichael Kopech, a hard-throwing
right-handed pitcher who had adepth to the rotation and
provided the team with anotherstrikeout threat.
Kopech's presence allowed theDodgers to manage innings more
effectively and his electricstuff made him a valuable asset
(11:38):
for high leverage innings asthey prepared for October.
His fastball and slidercombination offered a change of
pace from the rest of therotation and he became a go-to
option in games where powerpitching was needed to disrupt
opponents.
In addition, the Dodgers addedJack Flattery to further bolster
their rotation.
Flattery's veteran presence andhis experience in the
(12:01):
postseason brought a stabilizingforce, allowing the Dodgers to
rest their primary starters whenneeded and stack up their
rotation for key series.
With these moves, the Dodgersreinforced both their lineup and
pitching depth, constructing awell-rounded roster designed to
handle the pressures of Octoberbaseball.
One of the defining moments ofthe season came in August during
(12:23):
a pivotal matchup against thedivision rival San Francisco
Giants.
Mookie Betts, back from aninjury stint, ignited Dodgers
Stadium with a dramatic go-aheadhome run in the eighth inning,
sealing a much-needed win andcapturing the resilience and
depth that characterized theDodgers season.
Betts' heroics, along withcontributions from newly
(12:44):
acquired players like Edmund andKopech, sent a message to the
rest of the league the Dodgershad all the pieces to make a
legitimate title run.
Heading into the postseason,the Dodgers were a balanced
powerhouse armed with depth,flexibility and a roster prime
for a championship chase.
(13:04):
Throughout the 2024 season, theDodgers found success not only
in superstar performance, butalso in team resilience and
depth, crucial factors thathelped them navigate the ups and
downs of a challenging year.
Early in the season, mookieBetts was on fire, leading the
team with his combination ofpower, speed and exceptional
(13:24):
defensive play.
However, an injury sidelinedBetts for a significant portion
of the season.
Despite the time missed, hefinished with a solid .289
batting average and contributed19 home runs.
Betts' early season impact wasinstrumental in setting the tone
, even if his contributions werecut short.
Freddie Freeman, a mainstay inthe Dodgers lineup, provided
(13:46):
steady production all year.
While settling at a mainstay inthe Dodgers lineup, provided
steady production all year,while settling at a .282 batting
average.
Freeman's presence in the heartof the batting order remained
essential.
His ability to drive and runsin key moments and work counts
made him a constant threat andan invaluable leader both on and
off the field.
Freeman's consistent approach,even during the Dodgers' tougher
stretches, was a steadyingforce for
(14:09):
the lineup.
But the true headline of theseason belonged to Shoei Otani,
whose arrival in historic 50-50season captured the imagination
of baseball fans everywhere.
Otani's power-speed combinationbroke new ground in the sport,
marking him as the first playerin history to reach these
numbers in a single season.
Although he was sidelined frompitching due to an injury, his
(14:33):
bat continued to be anunparalleled weapon.
Every game he played felt likean event and his dynamic offense
transformed the Dodgers into amore dangerous,
multi-dimensional team.
On the pitching side, theDodgers leaned on Tyler Glasnow
to lead the rotation.
Glasnow delivered a strongseason, frequently overpowering
hitters with his strongstrikeout capabilities and
(14:54):
keeping games competitive.
He was supported by a cast ofreliable starters.
The Dodgers rotation was bothstable and effective.
In the bullpen, evan Phillipsand Greta Hall emerged as high
leverage stars, frequentlyshutting down late game threats
and holding down close leads.
Despite injuries and lineupadjustments, the Dodgers
(15:15):
demonstrated remarkable depthand determination, solidifying
themselves as one of theleague's top teams heading into
the postseason.
It was a season of resilienceand adaptability, setting the
stage for an exciting playoffrun, while all the right pieces
were in place for a championshippursuit.
So even though they lost TylerGlass out of injury, flattery
(15:37):
was there tostep up.
Now we head over to theNational League Division Series
versus the Padres, where theDodgers showcase their depth and
resilience.
Now, in game one, san Diegojumped all over Yamamoto for a
three nothing lead, but theDodgers stormed back to tie it
up 3-3.
But then the Padres came backto get two more runs off of
Yamamoto and that finished himup for the game while the
(16:00):
Dodgers bullpen took over.
But they kept the Padres incheck and the Dodgers were able
to storm back to lead and winthe game 7-5,.
But in game two the Padres won10-2, and they won again in game
three, 6-5, in thisbest-of-five game series.
But game four saw the Dodgersreally turn it around as they
(16:21):
dominated with an 8-0 shutoutwin and again they shut out the
Padres 2-0 in game five toadvance to the National League
Championship Series where theytook on the New York Mets.
Game one was a commanding 9-0lead for the Dodgers.
So look at those last threeplayoff games an 8-0 win, 2-0
(16:42):
win, 9-0 win.
But the Mets did come back ingame two for a 7-3 victory.
The Dodgers took game three,winning 8-0 and game four 10-2.
But the Mets came back in gamefive to win 12-6.
But it was the Dodgers in game6 winning with a 10-5 victory,
(17:02):
earning their spot into theWorld Series.
So in the World Series theDodgers faced the New York
Yankees.
Game 1 saw the Dodgers with awalk-off Grand Slam 6-3 victory,
followed by a 4-2 win in Game 2.
The Dodgers continued theirmomentum with another 4-2 win in
Game 3.
The Yankees avoided a sweep bywinning Game 4 with an 11-4
(17:25):
victory.
But in Game 5, the Dodgersovercame a five-run deficit to
win 7-6, winning theWorld Series.
This Dodgers squad squad, ledby unyielding veteran Freddie
Freeman and the ever clutchMookie Betts, clawed their way
back.
Each at bat in those crucialinnings was a lesson in patience
and persistence, a showcase ofa team that simply refused to
(17:48):
lose.
One cannot overlook thestrategic brilliance from the
dugout either.
Manager Dave Robertsorchestrated his bullpen with a
conductor's precision, pullingthe right strings at the right
moments when the final hour wasrecorded in the World Series.
It wasn't just a victory forthe Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was a testament to theirunbreakable spirit, a
(18:08):
celebration for a team that knewhow to win, because they knew
how to fight.
This 2024 Dodgers team will beremembered not just as champions
, but as a team that in everyway embody the heart and soul of
baseball.
So that's a wrap for thisBaseball Classics Diamond Cast.
Again, thanks so much fortuning in.
We'll see you next time when welook at and look ahead, the New
(18:29):
York Yankees 2024 and 2025seasons.
Until then, have a great day.
So long, everybody.
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up
look from the top step of thedugout.
Welcome to the BaseballClassics Podcast.
Covering any season from 1901to the present, We'll explore
exciting pennant races, diveheadfirst, analyzing and even
doing some comparisons that arebound to settle an argument or
(00:24):
start one up.
And now here's your host, DeanPitino.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello again everybody .
Thanks so much for tuning in toBaseball Classics Diamondcast.
It's always my pleasure to bewith you and, before we begin, a
reminder to head on over tobaseballclassicscom slash
diamondview to get the latestand greatest, the most
comprehensive coverage,everything that's happening in
Major League Baseball all in onewebsite.
(00:53):
You won't find this anywhereelse.
It's baseballclassicscom slashdiamondview free, no login.
You'll get the latest traderumors, the latest news, the
latest transactions, the freeagent signings, trades and so
much more of course, during theregular season, scores and
schedules and the standings, andand there's videos to watch on
(01:15):
and on.
It's all there withinbaseballclassicscom slash
diamond view and so easy tonavigate as well.
I guarantee you won't findanother site that's like this.
We've designed thisspecifically for major league
baseball fans to get everythingthey need in a cliff notes type
version, so we know you're busyand this way you can get your
(01:37):
dose of major league baseballevery day and stay on the pulse
of what's happening.
Baseballclassicscom slashdiamond view.
All right, let's talk aboutwhat's coming up here on the
Diamond Cast and for the next 30days we're going to review and
look ahead for each team inMajor League Baseball, starting
with the Los Angeles Dodgers andwe'll end with the Chicago
(02:00):
White Sox, who had the worstseason since 1901, major League
Baseball history.
So we're going to cover all theteams in between, go through
all the playoff teams first,then we'll wind up where we
finish up, with the ChicagoWhite Sox.
That will wrap up on December30th.
So again, one team one day.
Here we go, starting with the2024 Los Angeles Dodgers and
(02:23):
their dominance in the offseason.
Following their disappointing23 campaign, the Dodgers faced
mounting pressure to redefinetheir legacy and capture the
championship form their fans soeagerly longed for.
What followed was a sequence ofstrategic moves and tenacious
play that crafted a season toremember.
In the fall of 2023, as theWorld Series wrapped up and the
(02:46):
calendar flipped to theoffseason, that's when the
Dodgers went to work they foundthemselves facing pivotal
decisions.
Following the 2023 season thatfell short of their championship
aspirations, the Dodgersorganization, led by their
astute front office, wasdetermined to retool their
roster and make another strongmove for the 2024 season.
(03:10):
With a mix of shrewd trades,impactful free agent signings
and a few calculated risks, theDodgers set their sights on
bringing another World Seriestitle to Los Angeles.
On December 9th 2023, everythingchanged.
Shoei Ohtani redefined thelimits of Major League Baseball
contracts by signing arecord-breaking 10-year $700
(03:34):
million deal with the LosAngeles Dodgers.
This monumental agreementshattered Mike Trout's previous
Major League Baseball recordcontract of $426.5 million and
solidified Otani's place as oneof the most sought-after
athletes in baseball history.
(03:55):
With no opt-out clausesincluded, his contract ensures
Otani will remain a cornerstoneof the Dodgers' future for the
next decade.
A unique aspect of thisagreement lies in its innovative
structure, with the majority ofOtani's salary deferred, and
this feature was suggested byOtani himself.
(04:16):
It provided the Dodgers withcrucial financial flexibility to
navigate the competitivebalance tax while keeping their
championship aspirations intact.
The deal also marks a pivotalmove for Otani as he transitions
from the Angels to theircrosstown rival just 30 miles up
the I-5 freeway.
(04:37):
Otani's illustrious careerspeaks for itself A unanimous AL
MVP in 2021 and again in 2023.
Otani, of course, proved hisprowess as both a hitter and a
pitcher.
Over his career he boasted a274 batting average with 171
home runs and a pitching recordof 38 and 19, accompanied by a
(05:01):
stellar 3.01 ERA and 608strikeouts.
The recent elbow surgery willsideline his pitching duties in
2024.
Otani's bat is set to make animmediate impact alongside
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman andMookie Betts Reflecting on this
next chapter.
Otani shared his excitementabout joining one of baseball's
most storied franchises.
He pledged to always do what'sbest for the team.
(05:21):
Otani shared his excitementabout joining one of baseball's
most storied franchises.
He pledged to always do what'sbest for the team and expressed
a heartfelt desire to bringWorld Series parades to the
streets of Los Angeles Paradesplural.
As the Dodgers welcome Otaniinto their fold.
His addition signals not only anew era for the team, but also
(05:46):
sets an unprecedented benchmarkfor the future of Major League
Baseball contracts.
This historic signing caps offa transformative offseason for
the Dodgers, who also addedpower-hitting outfielder Teoscar
Hernandez to their lineup.
Hernandez, inked a four-yeardeal in the offseason, brings a
dynamic blend of power andproduction to the lineup, having
(06:06):
hit 26 home runs and driven in94 RBIs in 2023.
His presence in the lineupfurther strengthens the Dodgers
formidable offense, nowbolstered by Otani's bat and
surrounded by stars like FreddieFreeman and Mookie Betts.
Now, from the outset, theDodgers offseason strategy was
clear Prioritize depth andversatility, especially in their
(06:29):
pitching rotation and bullpen.
Recognizing that a strongpitching staff would be critical
, they pursued arms capable ofhandling the grind of a full
season and the intensity ofOctober baseball.
One of the Dodgers' keyacquisitions was veteran starter
Tyler Glasnow, secured througha significant trade with Tampa
Bay, known for his highstrikeout potential and
(06:51):
intimidating mound presence.
This addition addressed apressing need and instantly
elevated the Dodgers' startingrotation to one of the most
formidable in the NationalLeague.
In preparation for the 2024season, the Dodgers also made a
splash in free agency with thesigning of Japanese pitching
sensation Yoshi Yamamoto.
(07:13):
Known for his pinpoint control,devastating splitter and
ability to handle high-pressuresituations, yamamoto brought a
new level of talent to theDodgers rotation.
His addition was seen as a gamechanger, giving the Dodgers a
reliable ace who could deliverquality starts deep into the
games and anchor the pitchingstaff through the rigors of a
(07:36):
long season.
Yamamoto's presence immediatelystrengthened the Dodgers
rotation alongside proven armslike Clayton Kershaw and Tyler
Glasnow.
His unique pitching style addedvariety to the rotation,
keeping opponents off balanceand helping the team stay
competitive in crucial matchups.
Yamamoto quickly adapted toMajor League Baseball,
(07:58):
showcasing his talent againstsome of the league's best
hitters and proving why he wasone of the most sought-after
international stars.
As the 2024 season kicked off,the Dodgers quickly emerged as a
powerhouse in the NationalLeague West, led by a lineup
stacked with elite talent.
Mookie Betts and FreddieFreeman set the tone early,
(08:20):
delivering standout performancesthat showcased their all-star
caliber.
Freeman's combination of powerand consistency at the plate and
Betts' dynamic athleticism inthe field and on the bases were
driving forces behind theDodgers' offense, which quickly
became one of the most feared inthe league.
One of the season's mostthrilling highlights came during
(08:40):
a season against divisionrivals, the San Diego Padres.
In a three-game sweep, theDodgers showcased their pitching
strength, with Tyler Glasnowand newcomer Yoshi Yamamoto
delivering dominant performances, stifling the Padres' potent
lineup.
This sweep ignited the Dodgers'fan base and set a
psychological tone for thedivision, proving the Dodgers
(09:04):
had the firepower and depth tocontrol their own destiny.
However, the biggest impact camefrom Shoei Otani, whose signing
was one of the most talkedabout moves of the offseason.
As the first player in MajorLeague Baseball history to
achieve a 50-50 season, otanibrought a once-in-a-generation
skill that transformed theDodgers lineup into an offseason
(09:28):
juggernaut.
Though an injury limited hispitching throughout the season,
otani's bat alone made himinvaluable.
His power, speed and ability tochange the game with one swing
or sprint added a new level ofexcitement to Dodgers Stadium,
captivating fans and driving theDodgers offense, with the trio
(09:50):
of Betts, freeman and Otanileading the way.
The Dodgers entered into eachseries as a formidable opponent.
Their balanced lineup ofexperienced sluggers, combined
with a pitching staff anchoredby Yamamoto and Glasnow, set the
team up for sustained success.
Throughout the season, theDodgers focused on proven talent
, and their ability to executein high-stakes matchups made
(10:14):
them favorites not only in thedivision but in the National
League as a whole, positioningthemselves as serious contenders
heading into the postseason.
Amid season trades and turningpoints as the all-star break
approached, the dodgersrecognized that a few targeted
moves could set them apart in acompetitive division race and
prepare them for a deeppostseason run.
(10:35):
Already equipped with atalented core, the front office
saw opportunities to enhanceboth their lineup versatility
and pitching depth.
At the trade deadline, theDodgers executed several bold
acquisitions that would provecrucial down the stretch.
The first major move wasbringing in Tommy Edmund, a
(10:55):
switch-hitting infielder knownfor his speed, defensive
flexibility because he couldplay outfield as well and a
reliable bat.
Edmund's ability to playmultiple positions, especially
in the middle infield andoutfield, gave manager Dave
Roberts a versatile weapon whocould slot into various spots
depending on matchups.
His speed and high baseball IQadded another dimension to the
(11:18):
Dodgers lineup, enhancing theiroptions in both strategic and
late game situations.
Another pivotal acquisition wasMichael Kopech, a hard-throwing
right-handed pitcher who had adepth to the rotation and
provided the team with anotherstrikeout threat.
Kopech's presence allowed theDodgers to manage innings more
effectively and his electricstuff made him a valuable asset
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for high leverage innings asthey prepared for October.
His fastball and slidercombination offered a change of
pace from the rest of therotation and he became a go-to
option in games where powerpitching was needed to disrupt
opponents.
In addition, the Dodgers addedJack Flattery to further bolster
their rotation.
Flattery's veteran presence andhis experience in the
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postseason brought a stabilizingforce, allowing the Dodgers to
rest their primary starters whenneeded and stack up their
rotation for key series.
With these moves, the Dodgersreinforced both their lineup and
pitching depth, constructing awell-rounded roster designed to
handle the pressures of Octoberbaseball.
One of the defining moments ofthe season came in August during
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a pivotal matchup against thedivision rival San Francisco
Giants.
Mookie Betts, back from aninjury stint, ignited Dodgers
Stadium with a dramatic go-aheadhome run in the eighth inning,
sealing a much-needed win andcapturing the resilience and
depth that characterized theDodgers season.
Betts' heroics, along withcontributions from newly
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acquired players like Edmund andKopech, sent a message to the
rest of the league the Dodgershad all the pieces to make a
legitimate title run.
Heading into the postseason,the Dodgers were a balanced
powerhouse armed with depth,flexibility and a roster prime
for a championship chase.
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Throughout the 2024 season, theDodgers found success not only
in superstar performance, butalso in team resilience and
depth, crucial factors thathelped them navigate the ups and
downs of a challenging year.
Early in the season, mookieBetts was on fire, leading the
team with his combination ofpower, speed and exceptional
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defensive play.
However, an injury sidelinedBetts for a significant portion
of the season.
Despite the time missed, hefinished with a solid .289
batting average and contributed19 home runs.
Betts' early season impact wasinstrumental in setting the tone
, even if his contributions werecut short.
Freddie Freeman, a mainstay inthe Dodgers lineup, provided
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steady production all year.
While settling at a mainstay inthe Dodgers lineup, provided
steady production all year,while settling at a .282 batting
average.
Freeman's presence in the heartof the batting order remained
essential.
His ability to drive and runsin key moments and work counts
made him a constant threat andan invaluable leader both on and
off the field.
Freeman's consistent approach,even during the Dodgers' tougher
stretches, was a steadyingforce for
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the lineup.
But the true headline of theseason belonged to Shoei Otani,
whose arrival in historic 50-50season captured the imagination
of baseball fans everywhere.
Otani's power-speed combinationbroke new ground in the sport,
marking him as the first playerin history to reach these
numbers in a single season.
Although he was sidelined frompitching due to an injury, his
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bat continued to be anunparalleled weapon.
Every game he played felt likean event and his dynamic offense
transformed the Dodgers into amore dangerous,
multi-dimensional team.
On the pitching side, theDodgers leaned on Tyler Glasnow
to lead the rotation.
Glasnow delivered a strongseason, frequently overpowering
hitters with his strongstrikeout capabilities and
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keeping games competitive.
He was supported by a cast ofreliable starters.
The Dodgers rotation was bothstable and effective.
In the bullpen, evan Phillipsand Greta Hall emerged as high
leverage stars, frequentlyshutting down late game threats
and holding down close leads.
Despite injuries and lineupadjustments, the Dodgers
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demonstrated remarkable depthand determination, solidifying
themselves as one of theleague's top teams heading into
the postseason.
It was a season of resilienceand adaptability, setting the
stage for an exciting playoffrun, while all the right pieces
were in place for a championshippursuit.
So even though they lost TylerGlass out of injury, flattery
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was there tostep up.
Now we head over to theNational League Division Series
versus the Padres, where theDodgers showcase their depth and
resilience.
Now, in game one, san Diegojumped all over Yamamoto for a
three nothing lead, but theDodgers stormed back to tie it
up 3-3.
But then the Padres came backto get two more runs off of
Yamamoto and that finished himup for the game while the
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Dodgers bullpen took over.
But they kept the Padres incheck and the Dodgers were able
to storm back to lead and winthe game 7-5,.
But in game two the Padres won10-2, and they won again in game
three, 6-5, in thisbest-of-five game series.
But game four saw the Dodgersreally turn it around as they
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dominated with an 8-0 shutoutwin and again they shut out the
Padres 2-0 in game five toadvance to the National League
Championship Series where theytook on the New York Mets.
Game one was a commanding 9-0lead for the Dodgers.
So look at those last threeplayoff games an 8-0 win, 2-0
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win, 9-0 win.
But the Mets did come back ingame two for a 7-3 victory.
The Dodgers took game three,winning 8-0 and game four 10-2.
But the Mets came back in gamefive to win 12-6.
But it was the Dodgers in game6 winning with a 10-5 victory,
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earning their spot into theWorld Series.
So in the World Series theDodgers faced the New York
Yankees.
Game 1 saw the Dodgers with awalk-off Grand Slam 6-3 victory,
followed by a 4-2 win in Game 2.
The Dodgers continued theirmomentum with another 4-2 win in
Game 3.
The Yankees avoided a sweep bywinning Game 4 with an 11-4
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victory.
But in Game 5, the Dodgersovercame a five-run deficit to
win 7-6, winning theWorld Series.
This Dodgers squad squad, ledby unyielding veteran Freddie
Freeman and the ever clutchMookie Betts, clawed their way
back.
Each at bat in those crucialinnings was a lesson in patience
and persistence, a showcase ofa team that simply refused to
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lose.
One cannot overlook thestrategic brilliance from the
dugout either.
Manager Dave Robertsorchestrated his bullpen with a
conductor's precision, pullingthe right strings at the right
moments when the final hour wasrecorded in the World Series.
It wasn't just a victory forthe Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was a testament to theirunbreakable spirit, a
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celebration for a team that knewhow to win, because they knew
how to fight.
This 2024 Dodgers team will beremembered not just as champions
, but as a team that in everyway embody the heart and soul of
baseball.
So that's a wrap for thisBaseball Classics Diamond Cast.
Again, thanks so much fortuning in.
We'll see you next time when welook at and look ahead, the New
(18:29):
York Yankees 2024 and 2025seasons.
Until then, have a great day.
So long, everybody.
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