When the Dodgers finally steer their ship out of the rocks and hit dry land come October -- and they will make the playoffs, despite this month's dramatics -- it's difficult to imagine them making much noise without Chris Taylor. Their high-socked, higher-energy leadoff hitter ambushed the lineup in April and nose-dove into so many rallies since, it's worth considering the reality of an autumn ago.
Taylor, 27, was new to the organization last September, a versatile curiosity acquired to little fanfare for former first-rounder Zach Lee. Armed with several gloves and a motor on hyperdrive, Taylor profiled an intriguing project.