Reporting from Chicago — One by one, the banners scaled up the four poles behind the center-field bleachers.
Flags commemorating the 1907 and 1908 World Series, as well as last year’s National League championship, were raised by three of the greatest players in Chicago Cubs history, Ryne Sandberg, Ferguson Jenkins and Billy Williams.
Anthony Rizzo and other current Cubs assembled under the last pole. Together, they pulled a white rope that slowly elevated the flag this city waited 108 years to win. The 2016 World Series banner now flapped back and forth in the windy night sky.
Wrigley Field roared.
From the visiting bench, Clayton Kershaw watched.
The ceremony before Monday night’s game was a long-awaited celebration for the players and fans of Chicago, but also a reminder of the rare opportunity Kershaw and the Dodgers have been granted.
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The Dodgers will get another chance.
They will get another chance to take down the Cubs. They will get another chance to win the World Series. They will get another chance to do for Los Angeles what the Cubs did for Chicago last season.
The Dodgers’ season ended on this field last October, when the Cubs won Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. The Cubs won the series, four games to two, and went on to beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series in seven games.
The season was the 28th in a row in which the Dodgers finished short of the World Series.
Except that wasn’t the end.
What the Dodgers didn’t know then was that they would re-sign their top three free agents, closer Kenley Jansen, third baseman Justin Turner and starting pitcher Rich Hill. The foundation of the team that was two wins from advancing to the World Series remained intact, courtesy of the combined $192 million ownership invested in the three players.
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“You have to give credit to the organization for bringing that team together,” Kershaw said. “I do think we have a great chance to win.”
Turner was also grateful, and not only because the team rewarded him with a four-year, $64-million contract.
“I think the message from the front office was that they felt we had everything to win a championship last year,” Turner said. “I thought the message was written loud and clear.”
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This is the team that could end a multi-decade drought, as the Cubs did last year. This is the team that could move Los Angeles to tears, as the Cubs did Chicago last year. This is the team that has a chance of “being part of something bigger than you,” as Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of his championship team.
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates his game-winning hit in the ninth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo with the game-winning RBI against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates his game-winning hit as Jon Jay scores in the ninth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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A fan holds an image of Harry Caray in the eighth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs left fielder Jon Jay gets a ninth inning hit.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo with the game-winning RBI against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and his teammates celebrate his game-winning hit in the ninth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs players celebrate their 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, right, celebrates his game-winning hit in the ninth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, right, celebrates his game-winning hit in the ninth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs players celebrate the 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, center, celebrates with teammates after his game-winning RBI in the ninth inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs relief pitcher Koji Uehara delivers a pitch during the eighth inning.
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Cubs relief pitcher Wade Davis delivers a pitch during the ninth inning.
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Cubs third baseman Javier Baez walks back to the dugout after striking out in the ninth inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs manager Joe Maddon looks at the video board during a play review during the eighth inning.
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Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Left to right, Cubs third baseman Javier Baez (9), third baseman Kris Bryant (17), shortstop Addison Russell (27), and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) during a pitching change in the seventh inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs relief pitcher Justin Grimm, with catcher Willson Contreras after they got out of the seventh inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs catcher Willson Contreras throws out a runner to end the top of the sixth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs right fielder Ben Zobrist fields a fly ball.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs relief pitcher Koji Uehara enters from the new bullpen.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson scores in the sixth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs catcher Willson Contreras and relief pitcher Justin Grimm celebrate getting out of the seventh inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, right, high-fives first-base coach Brandon Hyde after his single in the fourth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Alex Wood (57) leaves the game in the fourth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs legends Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billie Williams in the dugout.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs third baseman Javier Baez reaches second base safely ahead of Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Logan Forsythe in the fourth inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo on opening night.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Fans in the new seats on the third base line reach for a foul ball in the third inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant hits an RBI double in the third inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber catches the fly out by Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson during the fifth inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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The Cubs 2016 World Series banner flies in center field.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with manager Joe Maddon after scoring in the third inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Alex Wood delivers to the Chicago Cubs in the third inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant hits an RBI double in the third inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant hits an RBI double during the third inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig, left, is unable to catch a fly ball hit by Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber during the third inning.
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Cubs co-owner Tom Ricketts watches the field.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester delivers to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs third baseman Javier Baez tags out Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Franklin Gutierrez on a steal attempt for a double play in the second inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the third inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the third inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs manager Joe Maddon is introduced before the game.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs third baseman Javier Baez tags out Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Franklin Gutierrez on a steal attempt for a double play in the second inning.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber reacts after scoring on an RBI double by third baseman Kris Bryant during the third inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber reacts after scoring on the double by third baseman Kris Bryant during the third inning.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo carries the Commissioner’s Trophy in front the outfield as the team celebrates their World Series championship.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Cubs owners Laura, Tom and Todd Ricketts throw out ceremonial first pitches.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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The Cubs starting lineup is introduced.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs Addison Russell, Ben Zobrist and Anthony Rizzo line up for the national anthem.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Ben Zobrist’s wife Julianna Zobrist sings God Bless America before the game.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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The Cubs raise their World Series banner in center field.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Julianna Zobrist sings God Bless America before the start of the game.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs co-owner Tom Ricketts holds the Commissioner’s Trophy.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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The Cubs raise their World Series banner in center field.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Fireworks erupt as Wayne Messmer sings the national anthem.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs players are lined up for the national anthem.
(Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs players line up for the national anthem.
(Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)
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The tarp is removed after the rain delay.
(Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)
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Fans try to stay dry near a concession stand during the rain delay.
(Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)
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A tarp covers the field during a rain delay before the game.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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A member of the grounds crew works with the tarp.
(Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)
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Members of the grounds crew position the tarp on the field.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Usher Dennis Persic dries off the top of the visitor’s dugout before the start of the game.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans view the crowd outside Wrigley Field.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Police officers stand at the Wrigley Field security area.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans arrive through the new gate near the plaza.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Andrea Butler and her daughter Ava, 2 are neighbors of Wrigley Field and are excited about all the activities that will be taking place in the new park.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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A Dachshund sports a Cubs cap for the home opener.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans arrive through the new gate near the plaza.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda arrives at Wrigley Field.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans walk through the stadium concourse before the game.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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New menu boards at one of the food service areas.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Edgar Estrada and Edgar Jr., get pumped up outside the ballpark before the game.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Workers stand around before the gates open.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans arrive through the new gate near the plaza.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans wait to enter the gates in the rain.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans wait in the rain for the gates to open.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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The decor of the new Starbucks at the Park at Wrigley.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans arrive to wait for the bleachers to open.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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The interior of the new official Cubs Store at the Park at Wrigley.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans watch a replay of Game 7 of the World Series on the new plaza.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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The construction workers at the hotel across Clark Street watch the festivities.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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A general look at The Park at Wrigley, which the Cubs opened after a ribbon-cutting ceremony in them orning.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs owner Tom Ricketts talks with Joe Shanahan, a local club owner in Wrigleyville.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Edgar Estrada holds a replica of the World Series trophy outside the ballpark.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans relax in The Park at Wrigley.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans relax in The Park at Wrigley.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans stroll through The Park at Wrigley.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Police officers look on at The Park at Wrigley.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel gives a thumbs up to workmen across the street watching festivities as he sits next to Cubs owners Tom Ricketts, Laura Ricketts and Todd Ricketts.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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A look at The Park at Wrigley, which the Cubs held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for in the morning.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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A look at The Park at Wrigley, which the Cubs held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for in the morning.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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A look at The Park at Wrigley, which the Cubs held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for in the morning.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
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A fan attends The Park at Wrigley ribbon-cutting ceremony with two dogs.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
That being said, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the Cubs were worthy champions.
“Last year, they were the best team,” Roberts said. “They were the best team from start to finish.”
There was a visual reminder of that dominance Monday night. With the banner-raising ceremony delayed by the almost two hours because of rain, Game 6 of last year’s NLCS was replayed on the video board at Wrigley Field.
Turner said he occasionally thought about the series over the winter.
“You try not to, but different stuff pops up, what you could have done different, how you could have gone about it different,” he said.
That night was particularly emotional for Turner. With the streets flooded with celebrating fans, the Dodgers’ team bus couldn’t depart from Wrigley Field. They remained in the clubhouse for about an hour until state troopers escorted them to their hotel.
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Not that Turner was in rush.
“It took me a while to take my uniform off, not knowing whether or not I’d ever put it back on again,” he said. “Not only was it the end of the season, it was what could have been the end of my Dodgers career. I wasn’t ready to let go of it yet, I wasn’t ready for it to be over.”
When Turner re-signed, he was clear about his purpose. He was encouraged when he reported to sping training and found others similarly focused.
Roberts sensed this, too, which is why he didn’t bother to deliver his customary start-of-the-season speech on opening day.
“If you hang around this team for a while, you’ll see there’s kind of a quiet confidence, where there’s not a lot of speeches, there’s not a lot of rah-rah, pump-up, get-hyped-up,” Turner said. “Guys know their roles, guys know what they need to do, guys know what they need to do to prepare and go out and play the game.”
This evolution in mentality is one of several reasons Roberts is convinced the Dodgers are a more formidable team than they were last year. Young players such as Corey Seager, Joc Pederson and Yasmani Grandal continue developing. Newcomer Logan Forsythe is a significant upgrade at second base. The relievers are now accustomed to being called on in any inning.
Kershaw anticipates the Dodgers will have to return to Wrigley Field in the fall in order to get to the World Series for the first time since 1988.
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“You can say who’s favored, who’s the best team, who’s not, but at the end of the day, they won the World Series,” Kershaw said. “They are the team to beat. I think any team that wins the World Series is the World Series champion until you beat them.”
