Streak best since 1899

I said that the Dodgers did the best at improving themselves during the deadline trading frenzy.

I think the Dodgers filled the holes without creating new ones...and they dumped some of the negativity in the club house. I do not doubt they can get their offensive machine back on track during the next two months and win the West (not a big feat, really) and go deep into the playoffs.

I was not saying that just because they are my favorite team (though I would have only been saying it and not blogging it if it were any other team).

So, as of this morning they are in the midst of a streak not seen in two centuries in their franchise.

The Dodgers are on the club's best run since 1899, and they swear they're not giving it much thought.

"It makes for good reading, it makes for a lot of good conversation for a lot of people," manager Grady Little said after Los Angeles beat the Florida Marlins 4-0 Tuesday night for its sixth straight victory and 17th in 18 games.
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The last NL team to win 17 of 18 games was the 1986 New York Mets, who went on to win the World Series. No team in franchise history had won 17 of 18 since the Brooklyn Superbas went 20-1 during one stretch in 1899.

OK, while accurate technically it is misleading...saying "two centuries", that is. But the streak has not been seen in the franchise for 107 years.

Really, it could be simply correlational evidence, but how can you not say the transactions in the last week of July did not help significantly in the run?

The Dodgers' streak began July 28, after they lost 13 of their first 14 games following the All-Star break. Their lone loss since they turned it around was on Aug. 9, when they were beaten by Colorado 3-1.

Los Angeles starters are 12-1 with a 2.55 ERA in the last 18 games.

(Marty and his damn Rockies!)

Sadly, I have a strong feeling that they will crash...and crash hard...at the worst time: late September. That would mean they could lose their playoff bid, and if they do survive they would be getting cold in the playoffs.

Such is life as a Dodger fan. Which is the bigger disappointment? To have the talent, realistic potential and this year to be in contention beyond June like the Dodgers do habitually OR be like the Cubs and not have a chance in any year thus not having the complete let down at the end?