State of the Dodgers - 26 and Counting . . .

Another disappointing end to a season with high expectations.

A season that spanned through 8 separate calendar months and two different continents and yet we ended this season like last, Kershaw on the mound for a losing effort in St. Louis. While he did serve up the pitch that effectively ended the Dodger's season but no means is it his fault. He brought everything to the table day in and day out and he will be rewarded for that by winning his 3rd Cy Young award and most likely the MVP. But that is not what he strove for. It was World Series or bust as he said many times just as I said at the beginning of Spring Training in February.

I was FOURteen when the Dodgers last appeared in the Fall Classic and I will be at least FOURty before they do so again. That is a long 26 years to be waiting when so many other teams that have "lesser" talent have made it. It is not on par with the Cubs but damn I can start to feel why there is so much bitterness when you talk to some of their fans. Unlike some other teams that are or were "built" for the World Series the Dodgers are still relatively young or just at or over 30. Angels, Tigers, etc. I'm looking at you. Their window is quickly closing but ours is only a little more open than theirs with our current roster. With the players we have we probably have a good 3-5 years before we look like the Angels. Adrian isn't getting any younger and probably has 2-3 years left in his prime. Hanley may or may not be gone this off season. The list goes on. Starting pitching was one of our strengths and just needs a reliable 4th and a place setter for 5th before Julio Urias comes up. The relief corps needs to get blown up. Too many holes to go over here. The outfield needs to be downsized as well. Kemp in RF, Puig in CF and then maybe Joc in LF? Ethier needs to go for his own good as he and Don do not see eye to eye. Andre deserves better and a change of scenery will do everyone good. Speaking of Don, next year or bust for him as if he doesn't guide this team to the World Series I think the team needs to hear another voice.

A lot of good things happened this year and I enjoyed every game I went to. The Dodgers might not have won every game I attended but I always enjoyed the atmosphere and more importantly the company I was with. Whether it was the just the wife or friends and family. Always a great time.

Prior to the post season the Dodgers sent out invoices for 2015 season tickets and my seats alone jumped 15%. I knew when the new ownership came in that sooner or later down the road they would jack up the price more than a few dollars and this is the year it seems they have chosen to do just that. I will remain a season ticket holder but there is a 50/50 chance I will be moving my seats to a less pricier section, I sell most (60 or so) on eBay/Stub Hub and most years I break even or come very close to it. With a 15% hike I don't think I can maintain that resale value but that might change. I will see in January when the Dodgers have their annual Select-A-Seat event at the stadium.

2014 is done. It's time to take a break and enjoy the holiday season with the family and know that there is more to life than the Dodgers or baseball. Once the New Year is rung in then its all aboard the Dodger Blue Train once again for another year of now even higher expectations. Its been 26 years and I am tired of waiting. Hopefully next year this post will be renamed " We Are The Champions Once Again ". I can hope can't I?