Long Road Trip Struggles Nothing New For Dodgers
by Eric Stephen on Apr 28, 2010 8:05 PM PDT
in Dodgers History & Records
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PrintThere isn't much left to say about the just concluded road trip. When the Dodgers hit, they didn't pitch. When they pitched, they didn't hit. The end result was a dismal two wins and seven losses, and a trip home with the worst record in the National League, at 8-13. However, long road trips have given the Dodgers problems for quite some time.
In seven of the past eight seasons, the Dodgers have had a road trip of nine games or longer with three or fewer wins:
| Recent Dodger 9+ Game Road Trips | |
| Year | Worst Trip |
| 2010 | 2-7 |
| 2009 | 3-6 |
| 2008 | 2-8 |
| 2007 | 5-5* |
| 2006 | 3-6 |
| 2005 | 2-11 |
| 2004 | 2-7 |
| 2003 | 2-7 |
| *Dodgers had two 5-5 trips in 2007 | |
That 2005 trip still gives me nightmares. They began the trip by getting swept by Jose Lima and the Royals, went winless in the Windy City against the soon-to-be world champs, split a four-game set in San Diego, then got swept by the Angels. Since the beginning of 2003, the Dodgers have had 20 road trips of nine games or longer, and they had a losing record in 13 of those trips. They have done far worse during extended road trips than during shorter jaunts:
| Dodgers on the Road 2003-2010 | |||
| Road Trip | W | L | Pct |
| 9 games or more | 82 | 112 | .423 |
| 8 games or less | 195 | 193 | .503 |
| Overall Road Record | 277 | 305 | .476 |
The bad news for the Dodgers is that they have two more long trips scheduled this season -- facing the Reds, Red Sox, and Angels in June, and facing the Padres, Astros, and Giants in September.
The good news is that the Dodgers are coming home, and have a 10-game homestand starting tomorrow. After each of the previous six bad road trips (3-6 or worse), they have come home and played much, much better:
| Home, Sweet Home | ||
| Year | Road Trip | Next Homestand |
| 2009 | 3-6 | 2-1 |
| 2008 | 2-8 | 6-0 |
| 2006 | 3-6 | 4-2 |
| 2005 | 2-11 | 3-3 |
| 2004 | 2-7 | 4-2 |
| 2003 | 2-7 | 5-1 |
| Totals | 14-45 (.237) | 24-9 (.727) |
The 2008 trip and subsequent homestand was memorable because the Dodgers lost the first eight games of their 10-game road trip, were 4½ games behind the Diamondbacks and were set to face Dan Haren and Brandon Webb in the final two games. The Dodgers not only won those two games, but won all six games at home -- including two more against Haren and Webb -- to complete the unprecedented eight-game winning streak following an eight-game losing streak. They took the division lead and never looked back.
It's too early for this homestand to have that kind of an impact, but history suggests the Dodgers will play well against upcoming foes Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Colorado.
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I’m Eric Stephen, and I approve this message.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 28, 2010 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions
well said, Eric
thanks for putting things in perspective. The Dodgers have had so much success since the Manny/Casey Blake “era” began, it’s been hard to remember what hard times REALLY feel like. Now that we’re experiencing it firsthand, it FEELS like the (baseball) world is collapsing in front of us. This is where Joe Torre truly earns his money- can his “never panic” persona help the Dodgers to remember who they are, or is he just disengaged at this point? At the very least, maybe he’s learned to salvage what’s left of Ramon Troncoso’s arm.
Dave Stewart none to happy with Ned Colletti – http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-mets-20100429,0,5699407,full.story
I had to make that a Fan Shot:
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/4/28/1450066/what-i-would-suggest-for-ned
by Eric Stephen on Apr 28, 2010 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Lower Reserve, Section 40, Seats 1 – 8 for Rows G, H, I, J
by Eric Stephen on Apr 28, 2010 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I got seats at 12RS row JJ seats 1 and 2
That shouldn’t be too far off. Maybe I’ll stop by to hi to everyone, since the only reason anyone is going is to have the chance to possibly see Ivdown. Lol
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday. Hope to enjoy a nice 3 days in L.A. What is the weather supposed to be like, the usual?
Sunny all weekend, in the 60s and 70s. Looking forward to Saturday night.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 28, 2010 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions
funny kobe on Kimmel
countless Clippers jokes that I thought the clipper fans here would enjoy
by SeanMillerSavior on Apr 28, 2010 9:39 PM PDT reply actions
a reality check
The Dodgers could have a 7-3 homestand and STILL be a game under .500
enjoy the season ~
Another reality check
If you aren’t going to contribute to current conversations, and continue to only post drive-by comments in old threads, you will be banned.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 29, 2010 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions
first post this year :)
I am not hitting the panic button yet. the dodgers for some reason always struggle against crappy teams and seem to some how win against the better ones, look back to last year. Time and time again we went down against lesser teams, only to come back and stun the so called better ones(until the NLCS that is). Maybe we have gone on the road with a little too much over confidence against these lesser teams, what ever it is, I believe it will all smooth out in the end. I do not see them finishing in last place.
GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!
by TrueBlueDodgerFan on Apr 29, 2010 9:42 AM PDT reply actions
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