Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA– In a recent interview with our own Bleed Los Podcast, former Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti reflected on the success of the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers despite numerous challenges, especially regarding their pitching staff. Colletti, who guided the Dodgers through many ups and downs during his tenure, offered a unique perspective on the team’s resilience and their hopes for the postseason.
A Season Full of Injuries
Colletti began by acknowledging the gravity of the Dodgers’ injury woes, particularly to their pitching rotation. Throughout the season, the team lost key pitchers, and it seemed impossible for them to finish at the top of Major League Baseball standings. Colletti drew a comparison to the 1985 Chicago Cubs, a team he worked with as a young executive. Like the Dodgers, that Cubs team faced significant injuries but couldn’t sustain success the way the 2024 Dodgers have.
“I think it says a lot about the Dodgers,” Colletti said, emphasizing that while other teams also faced difficulties, the Dodgers’ experience, depth, and potent offense have played a major role in their ability to stay atop the standings. The Dodgers’ lineup, bolstered by stars like Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and others, helped carry the team through a period when their starting pitching was decimated by injuries.
The Velocity Problem in Baseball
One of the key issues raised in the interview was the rash of pitching injuries across Major League Baseball, not just with the Dodgers. Colletti argued that the emphasis on velocity in modern baseball has contributed to these injuries. Pitchers, even at the high school level, are being evaluated primarily on how hard they can throw, often at the expense of learning how to pitch effectively.
“There’s a long list of guys that didn’t throw 98-97 miles an hour that are in Cooperstown,” Colletti said, reflecting on how the obsession with velocity isn’t necessarily the best way to win championships. He pointed out that while pitchers are now more conditioned than ever, the constant drive to throw harder is putting increased strain on arms and shoulders.
This focus on velocity has trickled down to how pitchers are developed, and Colletti believes it’s hurting the long-term health of pitchers. He mentioned that changes in philosophy, such as emphasizing stamina and pitching deeper into games, could help alleviate the injury crisis. However, he acknowledged that change would take time and cooperation from organizations, coaches, and the Players Association.
Navigating Postseason Challenges
As the Dodgers head into the postseason, Colletti was asked about their chances and potential concerns. Despite the rotation being hit hard by injuries, Colletti was optimistic, especially with the return of Walker Buehler and the emergence of young arms like Yamamoto. He expressed confidence in the starting rotation, stating that the remaining options are “more than pretty good.”
However, Colletti also emphasized the importance of offensive production from the bottom of the lineup. With stars like Ohtani in the heart of the order, having runners on base when he comes to the plate could be the key to postseason success. “You don’t want to start with Shohei with nobody on,” Colletti explained, pointing out that if pitchers can work around Ohtani due to an empty base, it diminishes the team’s scoring opportunities.
A major concern for many Dodgers fans is whether having a week off before the postseason can hurt the team’s rhythm. In past years, the Dodgers have struggled after extended breaks, leading to speculation that time off cools their momentum. Colletti, however, downplayed this idea. “I’m not big on excuses,” he said, suggesting that the combination of injuries and a lack of regular-season challenges may have played a bigger role in the team’s past postseason struggles. He added that the Dodgers had been pushed hard by the San Diego Padres this year, which could help keep them sharp going into the playoffs.
Mental and Physical Challenges
Toward the end of the interview, Colletti touched on the mental and emotional challenges athletes face, especially during a long season. He praised Dodgers manager Dave Roberts for his ability to manage not just the physical aspects of the game but also the mental well-being of his players. Colletti referenced Freddie Freeman, who has been dealing with injuries while also managing personal issues off the field.
Colletti emphasized that great athletes, like Freeman, have the unique ability to compartmentalize and focus on their performance despite off-field distractions. During his tenure, Colletti worked with sports psychologists to help players handle the mental toll of the game, believing it is just as important as their physical preparation.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers gear up for the postseason, they’ll rely on the experience and depth that has carried them through the regular season. Despite the injuries, their offensive firepower and the late-season resurgence of their pitching staff provide reasons for optimism. If they can continue to get contributions from the bottom of their lineup and navigate the challenges of postseason baseball, this team has a real shot at adding another championship to the Dodgers’ storied history.
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