What is the Bigger Concern for Dodgers Fans Right Now? Bullpen or Offense

Fans weigh in on their biggest concerns early in the season.

Entering the day at 7-7 and going through a few ups and downs already early in the season, the Dodgers have fans concerned, particularly after a slow offseason in terms of player acquisition. 

The problem is, things have been so randomly up and down, it has fans at times unsure about what they're most concerned about. On Twitter, @DodgersNation launched a poll that has more than 4,000 votes as of publishing time. The question, what is the bigger concern: the bullpen or the offense?

73% of responders point to the bullpen as the bigger of the two concerns at this point in time.

What do you think is the bigger concern for the Dodgers right now? #DNPolls

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 15, 2023

Over 14 games so far, the Dodger bullpen has been among the worst in baseball. They're 25th in baseball with a 5.48 ERA (27 runs, 44.1 innings pitched). Opposing batters are hitting .297 off LA relievers, second worst in MLB. The 'pen has served up 8 home runs, eighth worst in the league and is struggling to put batters away with only 43 strikeouts, fourth fewest in baseball.

Dodgers bullpen (ranks over 14 games):
ERA 5.48 - 25th in MLB
.297 BBA - 29th in MLB
8 HR allowed - 8th most in MLB
43 strikeouts - 26th in MLB

It's a concern.

— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) April 15, 2023

On the offensive side of things, the Dodgers are tops in the NL in home runs (26), triples (6), OPS (.826), slugging (.482), and second in walks (76). 

Those numbers look nice but also paint a picture of a boom or bust offense. In their 7 wins, the offense has been prolific averaging 8.6 runs per game. In 5 of the team's 7 losses, they've scored 3 or fewer runs. 

The team batting average is .236, eighth worst in baseball.

So the offense has its problems too.

The Dodgers lead the NL in:
HR (26)
3B (6)
SLG (.482)
OPS (.826)
...
Team batting average is .236, 8th worst in MLB.

Averaging 8.6 runs in wins. Scored 3 or fewer runs in 5 of 7 losses.

As @DMAC_LA often points out, it's a boom or bust offense and it's somewhat concerning.

— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) April 15, 2023

It's too early to say this is a bad or broken team, but there are certainly some big concerns brewing if things don't balance out a bit. Dave Roberts has said several relievers are still working through some mechanical issues as are a couple hitters in the lineup (Chris Taylor, Mookie Betts).

You may have noticed the "other" option in the poll above. As you'd imagine from Dodgers fans online, the majority of write-in comments pointed the finger at Dave Roberts...

pic.twitter.com/Ywn7EwP93a

— 🆂🅻🆈™️ (@ThinkBlue47) April 15, 2023

Dave Roberts, but that’s not gonna change so I guess the bullpen, but honestly just need to get healthy. Lineup vs LHP needs a lot of work.

— Oasis Fan Account (@RyderBarrett) April 15, 2023

Dave has made some questionable decisions over the course of his career -- including leaving Andre Jackson out to dry on Friday night -- but I struggle to see where this is his doing. Unless fans are suggesting he's completely lost the clubhouse (he hasn't), what would or could he be doing differently to win this team 3 or 4 more games so far this season?

The problem isn't Dave Roberts. It's a roster that just might not be that good. Or one that needs time to figure itself out after a bunch of turn over in the offseason.

If the team remains at .500 or worse one month from now, it might be time to panic.