True Blue LA podcast episode 2143: The Dodgers offseason is here

With the Dodgers 2021 season now over, this episode of the podcast looks back at the NLCS Game 6 loss in Atlanta, and the various factors that ended things for Los Angeles.

Among the topics discussed are the inconsistent Dodgers offense, the lack of depth relative to recent years, and the ripple effect of relying heavily on the only three starting pitchers on the roster.

We also look ahead to the offseason, and recap so, so many of our podcast bets during the year.

Special thanks to producer extraordinaire Brian Salvatore for working his audio magic.

Dodgers rewind

Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images

Veteran switch-hitting outfielder Bill North was the Dodgers’ return when they traded the shunned Glenn Burke to the A’s on May 17, 1978. Andrew Maraniss has more information in his excellent book about Burke, ‘Singled Out’.

North essentially took over center field for the Dodgers down the stretch, starting 82 games. The two-time stolen base leader swiped 27 bases with LA, and hit .234/.371/.266, an 82 OPS+. The complete lack of power — 10 doubles, no homers or triples in 377 plate appearances — coupled with excellent plate discipline (65 walks) gave North an on-base/slugging combination unmatched in franchise history.

Be sure to listen to find out where North’s 3-for-59 postseason career ranks in MLB history, and how his post-Dodgers free agency choice evoked thoughts of Jody Reed.

Other reading

• Andrew Friedman on the Dodgers offense, from Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic.
• Chad Moriyama on Dodgers postseason bench depth
• Dodgers free agency overview, from Jorge Castillo of the LA Times.
• Dodgers offseason roster breakdown
• ‘Singled Out: The true story of Glenn Burke’ by Andrew Maraniss
• North’s SABR bio, written by Tim Herlich

Podcast links

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Episode link (time: 1:18:31)