Dodgers News: Freddie Freeman Talks LA’s Unselfish ‘Winning Mentality’ at the Plate
Entering this postseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers hope to erase the memory of last postseason’s debacle against the San Diego Padres. While they didn’t have the best relief pitching last October, their offense couldn’t score enough. Everyone seemed to be swinging for the fences instead of making contact.
This season’s Dodger offense isn’t one-dimensional. Freddie Freeman talked about the importance of having an unselfish mentality at the plate.
“I think we have so many veteran guys in our offense that just want to win, so they do anything they can to win,” Freeman said. “Like, I don’t care if I go 0 for 4 if I move Mookie over to third base and we get four sacrifice flies out of it. You get two strikes, guys cut down on their swing and try to put the ball in play. I think that’s just the mentality we have as a group. It’s a winning mentality. It’s not a selfish mentality. It’s a pick-me-up offense.”
Most Dodgers are happy with a base hit to advance the runners. Both David Peralta and Miguel Rojas want to go to the World Series for the first time in their major league careers. Jason Heyward wants to return to the World Series for the first time since 2016 with the Chicago Cubs.
This year the Dodgers have higher batting averages and on-base percentages and fewer one-dimensional power hitters. Even rookie James Outman wants to contribute to the team but understands he doesn’t need to hit a multiple-run homer every time to help the Dodgers win.
This year's team may not be as talented as the 111-win 2022 team, but they definitely understand their roles better. That should be key come October.
