Dodgers Poised to ‘Really Ruin Baseball’ as Playoffs Heat Up

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to dominating Major League Baseball, but as the postseason intensifies, manager Dave Roberts made it clear the team is prepared to elevate its dominance to a near-legendary level — a statement that will strike both awe and envy across the league.

Speaking to reporters after another electrifying playoff performance, Roberts said, “Before this season, they were saying the Dodgers are ruining baseball. Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball.” His words were half celebration, half challenge, reflecting a team confident in its depth, talent, and ability to overwhelm opponents at the most critical time of the year.

The Dodgers’ roster has been a showcase of extraordinary skill and versatility. Shohei Ohtani’s historic Game 4 performance — where he became the first player in MLB history to hit three home runs, strike out 10 batters, and pitch six shutout innings in a single postseason game — exemplified the kind of unprecedented dominance Roberts was referencing. Teammates Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman called it “the greatest game by a human,” underscoring the sense that the Dodgers’ talent transcends the ordinary limits of baseball achievement.

Ohtani’s night was a microcosm of what Roberts meant by “ruining baseball.” The 12th player in MLB postseason history to hit three homers, Ohtani joined Hall of Famer George Brett as the only players to do so from the leadoff spot. He struck out more batters than the entire Milwaukee Brewers’ starting rotation in the series and hit more home runs than the two hits he allowed while pitching. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said, “Through four innings I texted our Slack thread and said, ‘This is the greatest four innings ever played in postseason history by a major league player. The greatest four innings ever.’ Then he hits another home run. Greatest six innings ever. Seven innings. There’s no question it was the greatest postseason performance in the game ever.”

Roberts’ remarks weren’t just about Ohtani. The Dodgers’ entire lineup and pitching staff have consistently demonstrated the kind of all-around skill that overwhelms opponents. From Mookie Betts’ consistent contributions in the outfield and at the plate to Max Muncy’s power swings and clutch hits, the Dodgers possess a balanced, high-octane approach that leaves little room for opposing teams to capitalize.

The team’s depth extends beyond its stars. Pitchers like Tony Gonsolin and closer Craig Kimbrel have contributed crucial innings, while the Dodgers’ fielders make highlight-reel plays look routine. Every facet of the organization — from player development to in-game strategy — has been built to maintain an edge throughout the postseason. Roberts’ tongue-in-cheek proclamation about “ruining baseball” reflects a team that isn’t just winning; it’s redefining the level of excellence in the modern game.

Fans and critics alike have taken notice. There is a sense that the Dodgers are setting new benchmarks for playoff performance, forcing rivals to reconsider what it takes to compete at this level. Roberts’ statement was a playful nod to the perception that the Dodgers’ consistent dominance diminishes the drama for opposing teams, but the sentiment carries a kernel of truth: this is a team designed to win, and win decisively.

Looking ahead to the World Series, the Dodgers will face either the Toronto Blue Jays or the Seattle Mariners. Both potential opponents present unique challenges, yet the Dodgers’ current form makes them formidable favorites. Roberts’ mentality is clear: maintain focus, exploit opportunities, and let talent do the talking.

Despite the bravado, Roberts also emphasizes the importance of process and preparation. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about playing the right way,” he noted. “Every player has a role, every pitch and swing matters, and the playoffs are about executing when it counts the most. That’s what we’re built to do.”

For fans, the message is simple: brace for more unforgettable moments. Whether it’s Ohtani rewriting the record books, Muncy delivering game-changing homers, or the pitching staff shutting down threats inning after inning, the Dodgers’ approach embodies the kind of excellence that makes watching baseball a thrill. In Roberts’ words, they’re ready to “really ruin baseball” — not with malice, but by setting a standard that few teams can match.

As the postseason unfolds, every inning, swing, and strategic decision will be scrutinized, celebrated, and remembered. For opponents, it’s a reminder that facing the Dodgers is a challenge of historical proportions. For fans, it’s a spectacle: a team with the skill, depth, and mindset to dominate on every level, ensuring that this year’s playoffs will be talked about for decades to come.

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