The Los Angeles Dodgers faithful have plenty of reasons to be upset over the less than spectacular 2012 campaign—about 200 million-plus reasons, to be exact. Failure leaves a sour taste in the mouth, without question, but that doesn’t mean optimism can’t refuel the hunger for next year.
Undoubtedly, the organization did not want to commemorate the 50-year mark at Chavez Ravine with an epic fall from first place, and possible Wild Card, at the hands of the hated Giants, but it happened anyway. Unless the Reds fight off their one-week celebration hangover and somehow shock the Cardinals, while using the bench to rest the starters, the MLB Playoffs are set in the National League. And, unfortunately, the Dodgers are not a part of it.
However, before fans begin packing away the blue for good, praying for NFL in 2014 or growing excited over the new-look Lakers and possible choices of shades Jack Nicholson will wear, there are signs of hope.
Here are the top five reasons the Dodgers will be a tough act in 2013, keeping the fan-base thinking blue, instead of feeling blue.