Editorials

Dodgers News: Dee Gordon Has Learned To Trust Himself

[new_royalslider id=”24″] From fighting for a spot on the team in the spring to National League All-Star, Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Dee Gordon has had quite the year in 2014.

Gordon has become a necessary piece to the Dodgers lineup and a huge reason why the team is currently in first place in the NL West. He leads the entire MLB in stolen bases and triples, while providing strong defense at second base. All this comes after a couple seasons where Gordon found himself bouncing between the minors and majors.



According to Steve Dilbeck of the LA Times, the 26-year-old notes one of the major changes in his mindset that has helped his success:

It’s just trusting my abilities,” Gordon said. “I had a hard time doing that early on. Trusting even when it doesn’t go well. I think that’s what I’m doing a much better job of, knowing what I can and can’t do, instead of trying to do everything.”

Gordon currently leads the league in stolen bases (57) and triples (11), along with a .289 batting average, 70 runs scored and 142 hits in 123 games. He’s been a catalyst at the top of the lineup for the Dodgers and has been one of the more consistent hitters this year.

Manager Don Mattingly offered his take on why Gordon has done so well:

I think the back-and-forths have helped him,” Mattingly said. “It is a sign of maturity. So many guys change, then they’re lost. He has stabilized his approach this year.”

Before 2014, the speedy infielder had previously had chances at shortstop for the Dodgers and failed. After playing in 87 games in 2012, Gordon played in just 38 games last year. This prompted Gordon to put on 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season in order to be ready for the grind of the season. He has struggled a bit as of late, but is pushing through to get past it.

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Dodgers Nation Interview: Dee Gordon Discusses The Dodgers Bubble Machine


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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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