Dodgers vs. Cubs: Who has the Edge?

Starting Pitching

The Cubs’ rotation last season was spectacular. Bringing essentially the same rotation would mean the same this season. Jon Lester is great despite his inability or reluctance to throw to any base or play defense. Jake Arrieta has great stuff but has regressed since his Cy Young season. John Lackey always seems to be a thorn in the side of the Dodgers, but he isn’t all that special anymore. Kyle Hendricks had a phenomenal season last year but don’t count on him having the same type of season again.

The Dodgers have Rich Hill, Alex Wood, Kenta Maeda, Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-jin Ryu, and last but not least Clayton Kershaw. Well, Clayton is the best pitcher on the planet, so that leaves four spots for five guys.

Alex Wood has been brilliant this season and earned his spot. Rich Hill will get a spot if his blisters don’t flare up anymore and Brandon McCarthy earned a spot with a great start to the season. The final spot looks like it will belong to Kenta Maeda, who has been hit or miss this season, either putting on an excellent performance or one that is unwatchable.

Verdict

Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher on planet earth, so the Dodgers have the advantage with Kershaw over Lester. Alex Wood has been great this season and because of this gets the edge over Jake Arrieta. Rich Hill when healthy can be an ace, but it’s his health that puts Kyle Hendricks over him here. Brandon McCarthy was great when he was healthy this season, but once again it’s his health that puts Lackey over him. The final spot is Maeda vs. Anderson. Maeda gets the edge here over Anderson because of his ability to go out and have the stuff to be dominant.

Dodgers, Los Angeles leads 4-3