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Dodgers: The bigger threat between the Diamondbacks and Rockies

By Anthony Perez

Jun 16, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watches during the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watches during the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Diamondbacks
Jun 13, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Paul Goldschmidt (44) receives congratulations from right fielder David Peralta (6) after he hit a two-run home run in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting Lineups

A few weeks back, I wrote a piece on the Rockies and their newfound success this season. The team is led by their potent offense that is highlighted by MVP candidates Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado.

The Rockies usually have an offense that can hang with the best of them, but this year they have found prolonged success rather than flaming out. It’s more than likely that Mark Reynolds will come back down to earth as he currently owns an unsustainable .299/.389/.544 slash line. But the team can improve if Reynolds slumps, as Carlos Gonzalez has looked terrible to start the season and is playing himself out of a lot of money this offseason.

Look for Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu, and Mark Reynolds to continue to lift this offense, with the help of Ian Desmond and Trevor Story. The Rockies own a .270 team batting average, which is fourth best in the league and good enough to keep up with the Dodgers’ potent offense.

Arizona has seemingly been the quietest team in the division, but they have been sticking around. The team relies heavily on Paul Goldschmidt as he is putting up another MVP-caliber season (.332/.447/.606, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 68 R) and looks to be the frontrunner for the award. Jake Lamb is continuing off a strong 2016 season with his 16 home runs and .379 OBP.

Behind the two best hitters for Arizona sit a few guys who you wouldn’t expect to be hitting as well as they have. David Peralta is a good example with his .492 SLG%. They have also gotten great production from Brandon Drury, who his hitting right under .300 for the season and is tied for the team lead with Goldy in doubles with 19.

On paper, the Diamondbacks have been over-performing as an offense, but I’m certainly not going to count them out. They have scored the 5th most runs in the league at 406 and have been missing A.J Pollock who has been on the DL multiple times.

You can’t go wrong with either offense, but in my opinion, the Rockies seem to have a more balanced lineup.

Advantage: Colorado Rockies

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