Five months removed from one storybook ending, the Dodgers are already penning another Hollywood-worthy script.
It started last week in Japan, when the defending World Series champions were fervently welcomed on the other side of the world. It continued into this weekend’s opening homestand; one that featured a sentimental banner-raising celebration at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, then an emotional championship ring ceremony before first pitch on Friday.
Amid that backdrop, the Dodgers might have been forgiven for struggling with an early-season hangover. Like countless champions before them, it would have been no surprise for their title defense to begin with a slow first step.