Was the 2014 Season a Success?

Don Mattingly was quoted as saying “anytime that you are able to win your division over a course of a long season and give yourself a chance. I think you have to look at that as success”. Was the season really a success? Yes, they had a great season record (94-68), they won the Western Division, they made it to the playoffs, but then what happened? The same thing that has happened year after year, they can’t make it past the first two rounds of the playoffs. How many years can they have repeat performances in the playoffs and rule it as a success? They had successful moments in 2014, two no hitters- one my Josh Beckett and the other by Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp made a huge come back after previous injured prone seasons, and Dee Gordon kept things exciting with his 64 steals and great defensive plays but to rule the season as a success is a strong statement. Kershaw had even said previously “World Series or bust”. They busted in the end when the pressure was on and when it really mattered. Mattingly made questionable calls as manager, Yasiel Puig is still learning and is a wild card, and the bullpen was extremely undependable or at least when it came to helping us win. When Brian Wilson and Brandon League received the call, the odds of them performing the way they were paid to do, were not in the Dodgers favor. The players, organization, and fans all had high hopes for the 2014 season and playoffs, yet they came up short again. The fans are hungry for the title of “World Series Champions” and yet are still waiting for the opportunity to even make it to that series.  Another disappointing ending to what was supposed to be a “successful” year.

Michelle Allen