The Los Angeles Dodgers are, without a question, the best team in baseball.
They have the best record at 76-33, and the eye test doesn’t lie: only a handful of teams come close to their level.
The recipe for their success is top-notch scouting and player development…and of course, some patience.
They know which players they should wait around for, and which ones the team would be better off moving on from.
In the specific case of Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger, they knew that with work and some adjustments, they would regain their top form.
One is a former MVP and the other one has performed at that level in the past, as recently as last year.
The Dodgers are now reaping the benefits from their patience.
“Max Muncy since July 28: 3 HR, 8 RBI, 1.030 OPS, 181 wRC+. Cody Bellinger since July 26: 3 HR, 13 RBI, .936 OPS, 152 wRC+,” Dodgers insider Blake Harris tweeted.
Max Muncy since July 28:
3 HR, 8 RBI, 1.030 OPS, 181 wRC+
Cody Bellinger since July 26:
3 HR, 13 RBI, .936 OPS, 152 wRC+ pic.twitter.com/jn3H5zJstM
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) August 10, 2022
Muncy And Bellinger Are Starting To Come Around
The Dodgers are so good that they have eight or nine hitters capable of getting hot and carrying the team for at least a brief period.
When they are healthy and in a groove, both Muncy and Bellinger can do that.
Their hot streaks are legendary, particularly Bellinger’s.
Despite his recent surge, Bellinger still has a lot of work to do before we declare him “back”: he is hitting .212/.269/.405 with 15 home runs and 11 stolen bases.
The same can be said about Muncy and his .178/.316/.349 overall line.
Los Angeles, however, knows that their first priority should be giving them enough at-bats to find their rhythm at the plate with the playoffs in mind.
If they are right, they could be difference-makers in the postseason.
