Dodgers 2016 season in thirds: The first 54 games

Wednesday night in Chicago was the Dodgers' 54th game of 2016, meaning the season is officially one-third over. It is time for triannual checkup to see how the team is doing.

We have done this every year since 2009, so we can compare eight seasons' worth of numbers. The Dodgers' record thus far is rather ordinary, on pace for just 84 wins, but their run differential (+35) is the third-best of the last eight years through 54 games, trailing only 2009 (+87) and 2015 (+50), and a 31-win pythagorean record.

Now let's look at the players. For the counting stats, just multiply by three to see the pace. The players are organized by position groups. First up, the catchers:

Last year through 54 games, the trio was hitting .239/.350/.364 with eight doubles, five home runs, 32 walks, 24 runs and 22 RBI. This year has been an incredible disappointment.

Their total starts add up to 57 games, because Yasmani Grandal started twice at first base and Austin Barnes started once at second base.

Standouts among the infielders include the Dodgers' oldest player (Chase Utley) and their youngest position player (Corey Seager).

Adrian Gonzalez was productive in the first third of the season, but his power hasn't shown up yet. Justin Turner was one of the best hitters in the National League the last two seasons but this season has the counting stats of a part-time player despite playing nearly every day. Howie Kendrick fell to the Dodgers late in the offseason on a two-year, $20 million contract that seemed like a bargain, but thus far his production suggests their might be no winners in that deal.

Among the two utility men, they were placed where they placed the most innings. Kiké Hernandez played by far more innings in the outfield (153) than infield (24), while Kendrick gets grouped with the infielders with his 205 innings combined at third base, second base and first base, compared to 102 innings in left field.

In the outfield, Joc Pederson with his revamped swing is off to a good start, and newcomer Trayce Thompson has hit his way into a regular role. Yasiel Puig has been a disappointment to date, but at this time last year injuries limited him to just 11 games.

Hernandez has been in a tremendous slump since mid-April, and Carl Crawford looks like someone who won't be around for the remainder of his contract (which lasts through 2017).

Next is the starting pitchers, including ace of aces Clayton Kershaw at his best:

Finally we get to the bullpen, where four pitchers have thrown more innings than a perfectly healthy Kenley Jansen.