Why Dodgers could finally end World Series drought.
The Dodgers finished two victories away last season, finally succumbing to the Chicago Cubs’ buzzsaw while seeing their season end in a game started by their best pitcher.
"The talent that we had in place … the camaraderie among the group, we felt was a real asset going forward," Friedman said.
Better health could have improved the Dodgers’ fortunes last season, when an MLB-record 28 players hit the disabled list.
He returned for the playoffs, but he was still increasing his pitch totals when the postseason arrived and was far from his best after appearing in five games over 16 days.
Toles’ first-inning defensive miscue came as the game started to go sideways early.
"I think everybody knows our team was plenty talented last year, we just had a lot of guys get hurt," Kershaw said on the first day of spring training.
"It’s not how we start Opening Day, it’s how we will finish the year," Friedman said.
"Everyone in that clubhouse wants to win a championship," Roberts said recently.
I think … on into the season, [unselfishness] is what it is going to take from each player."