Los Angeles Dodgers fans demand changes and reinforcements after devastating knockout loss to rivals Padres: "Roberts should be fired Sunday", "Roberts will be back because the baseball gods hate Dodger fans"

Division Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v San Diego Padres - Game Four
The Los Angeles Dodgers dugout reacts during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have just suffered their worst loss in franchise history. It was a crushing blow to an organization that has invested heavily over the last decade to build a powerhouse. The 5-3 loss to the San Diego Padres on Saturday means the Dodgers are now officially out of the MLB Playoffs.

This was a team many predicted to win it all this year. During the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers dominated. They had an MLB-best 111-51 record. The team boasts one of the highest-paid rosters and is stacked with talent on the offensive and defensive sides of the field. Unfortunately for them, the players failed to deliver when it counted the most.

Los Angeles Dodgers fans have reached boiling point. After expecting so much this postseason, the team crumbled under pressure. Fans are now demanding reinforcements next season. Manager Dave Roberts is under heavy pressure and is bearing the brunt of the criticism.

Roberts has been gifted one of the most talented rosters in the franchise's history. This team is built to win now. Roberts does have a World Series win under his belt, in 2020. However, that was a shortened, 60-game season.

Roberts has a great record as a regular season manager, but has failed in the ring department. He has failed to win the pennant in his last two seasons and his time with the organization looks limited.

His decision to pull Tyler Anderson and go into the bullpen against the Padres has to be the final straw. The starting pitcher was crusing when Roberts pulled him after five innings. It was a baffling decision that cost the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers will look to dust themselves off and bounce back next season

Manager Dave Roberts looks on during a game against the San Diego Padres in game three at PETCO Park
Manager Dave Roberts looks on during a game against the San Diego Padres in game three at PETCO Park

The team currently has the second-highest payroll in baseball, according to Spotrac. Only the New York Mets spent more on their 40-man roster. After a disappointing conclusion, fans are calling for change.

Trea Turner, Justin Turner, David Price and Joey Gallo are all entering free agency in the offseason. Cody Bellinger could also be moving on as he is in an arbitration year.

With regards to Bellinger, he has failed to live up to expectations. The 2019 National League MVP has been subpar recently. This season, he has a .210/.265/.389 slash line and an abysmal .654 OPS. That's not good enough for an organization like the Dodgers. To make matters worse, he didn't even start the crucial final game versus the Padres.

The organization will have to dust themselves off and hope to rebuild for next season. After reaching three World Series in the previous five seasons, a loss in the ALDS isn't going to cut it.

Quick Links

Edited by Hans Themistode
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications