The Dodgers are far and away the best team in MLB on paper, but they have a tendency of coming up small in the playoffs.
Also, they have the depth to absorb Price sitting out, but they still need to find a reliable bullpen arm or 2 beyond Kenley.
Yeah, the bullpen has been their kryptonite. I think part of the problem is overuse. I love Dave Roberts as the manager, but he goes to the bullpen too often, imo.
A starting pitcher will be cruising along and Roberts will often pull him after the 5th inning. Imo, the goal every game should be for the starter to go at least 7 innings, then bring in the set up man and then Kenley.
I think he's a big part of why the MLB made the rule change about how long relievers have to stay in. Some games, Roberts was at the mound so often, you'd think he was pitching. lol
Another part of the problem was they haven't had a legit leadoff hitter since probably Brett Butler. Not having a legit lead off batter makes it tough to manufacture runs. It's why they've had to rely on home runs and big innings for much of their success.
That works fine in the regular season. 7 straight NL West titles speaks to that.
But not as well in the playoffs. 0 World Series titles in those 7 years speaks to that.