TSN: LA Dodgers clubhouse remains cordial, but is chemistry enough?

Chemical Kings: They sacrificed their lives to prevent World War III in the Dodger clubhouse.

Getting a consensus when it comes to the theory of “chemistry” within a baseball team is difficult. Some believe it to be of the utmost importance, even in an individualized sport. Others believe it is an overrated and overemphasized cliché with no bearing on wins and losses.

One agent wondered aloud how the Los Angeles Dodgers would “mesh” all their new parts – nine in all since July 25 – and if they were just an expensive collection of talent without any cohesion.

Former major league center fielder and current Dodger television analyst Kenny Lofton, who played in three World Series but never won one, said “chemistry” doesn’t matter as long as each individual player produced and the team wins. As an example, he noted that the 2002 National League champion San Francisco Giants team he played for featured Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent and was no case study in unity.

In the past nine games, including those since the historic trade that had the Dodgers looking like the Red Sox’s shoulder to cry on, the Blue Crew has been an example of both schools of thought. At times, the Dodgers have been a mess of talent without direction. At other moments, Los Angeles has looked like a team capable of overcoming unfamiliarity because they field more talent than opponents.

...Chemistry or not, this team needs to start winning or risk being the most disappointing team in baseball (Phillies excluded because of injuries).