Breaking news: the Los Angeles Dodgers are really good. They have won the NL West six years in a row, and are well on their way for lucky number seven. The Dodgers are 36-19, and hold a seven-game lead over the second place Padres. They have the best record in the National League, and have a chance to win 90 games for the seventh straight season. Los Angeles has turned into the early favorite to make their third straight World Series appearance.

The early part of the season has been a breeze for the Dodgers. Just like any other team however, they have their fair share of headlines. These are the five biggest storylines so far for the Dodgers in 2019.

5. Absence of Pollock

Pollock was one of the most prized free agents heading into 2019. The Dodgers landed the center fielder to the tune of a five-year, $60 million contract. So far, he has not earned his money. Pollock has played just 28 games this season before suffering an injury. In those 28 games, he was hitting .223 with two home runs and 14 RBI's. Pollock was initially put on the IL with an oblique injury. There was an issue with his elbow that required surgery. There is no timetable for his return.

For the Dodgers, they have been able to survive without Pollock thanks to their explosive offense. After trading away Yasiel Puig and missing out on Bryce Harper, Pollock was expected to be the staple of the Dodgers' outfield. Los Angeles will have to wait a little longer that that to happen.

4. Offensive Explosion to Start the Season

The Dodgers are knocking covers off of baseballs left and right this season. They are second in runs scored so far this season. The Dodgers also rank in the top-10 in home runs, hits, total bases, and RBI's. They have a team batting average of .261 which is third in all of baseball. The Dodgers have a run differential of +79.

Los Angeles has built their lead in division at the plate. It is clear that they are going to outscore teams all season. They have scored eight or more runs 12 times this season. In the new age of baseball where offense is king, the Dodgers look ready to dominate.

3. Is the Third Time a Charm?

They will never admit it, but the two straight World Series losses has to be in the mind of Dodgers' players. They ran through the National League playoffs in 2017 going 7-1. Their season ended with a game seven loss to the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic. Los Angeles bounced back with 92 wins and another trip to the World Series in 2018. They ran into the juggernaut Boston Red Sox and could only squeak out one win.

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Over a quarter of the way through the season, the Dodgers have to be the favorites to return for a third straight season. Manager Dave Roberts has done an exceptional job with this team and is only missing one thing. For the Dodgers, the third time might be the charm in 2019.

2. Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw is coming off a “down” year in 2018. He finished 9-5 with a 2.73 ERA. This was his lowest number of wins since 2009 and his highest ERA since 2010. He entered Spring Training with a shoulder injury that sidelined him. He missed all of spring and the first two weeks of the season. So far, Kershaw has made eight starts for the Dodgers where he is 5-0 with a 3.46 ERA.

When thinking about the best pitchers of this generation, there is no one above Kershaw. Despite his alarming postseason numbers, Kershaw is going to be an extremely important part of this team if they want to make it back to the World Series.

1. Cody Bellinger

This might be the top storyline in all of baseball through two months. What Cody Bellinger is doing at the plate is historic. He hit 39 home runs and drive in 97 runs in 2017 where he was named the National League Rookie of the Year. Bellinger is on pace to shatter both of those career-highs. He has played 53 games and has hit 20 home runs and driven in 51.

Bellinger leads the league in hits, runs scored, RBI's, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. He is second in the league in home runs behind Christian Yelich who has 21. This pace seems impossible to maintain for 162 games, but through 53, Bellinger has been the best player in baseball.