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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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Colorado Rockies
May 28, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Bullpens:

The Rockies have the 20th best relief squad in baseball with a mediocre 4.50 ERA.

Greg Holland is the frontrunner for Comeback Player of the Year as he has an MLB-best 27 saves. The man who gets the ball to him is Jake McGee, who had been having a stellar season before getting knocked around in his past few outings.

Charlie Rusin (1.02 WHIP) has been the other standout performer from the bunch this season. Chad Qualls and Adam Ottavino have been disappointing so far, and we saw some disaster of an inning by Ottavino on Sunday.

Considering this was one of the league’s worst bullpens last year, the Rockies’ bullpen has been impressive. As long as they can get the ball to Holland, the team will be okay. Look for them to acquire some depth at the deadline.

The Diamondbacks’ bullpen has been almost as elite at the Dodgers’ this year as they own a 3.23 ERA and have only given up 25 long balls.

Once a starter, Archie Bradley has found his niche as the club’s setup man and has excelled in the role. He has a 1.04 ERA and 0.87 WHIP. T.J McFarland and Andre Chaflin own a 1.90 and 2.08 ERA, respectively, which is perfect for the days when the back-end of their rotation can’t get it done.

The team’s closer, Fernando Rodney has 20 saves on the season but has looked very hittable and terrible many a times (4.55 ERA), which isn’t unfamiliar territory for him. J.J Hoover has also been a disappointment for the team as he owns a 4.18 ERA.

The Diamondbacks have one of the best bullpens in the league despite their below-average closer. Look for them to upgrade the bullpen come July and possibly find someone to unseat Fernando Rodney.

Arizona has an elite bullpen, while Colorado simply has a mediocre one, which doesn’t make this close.

Advantage: Arizona Diamondbacks

Next: Dodgers are Best in NL

Both of these teams will be battling with the Dodgers throughout the season, and it looks like each of them will earn a playoff spot. Statistically speaking, the Diamondbacks are the bigger threat to the Dodgers, but my eyes tell me that the Rockies are a little more dangerous and have the better chance at winning the division.

Either way, the Dodgers have their hands full with both of these teams. The Dodgers have 12 games left against Arizona, and seven left against Colorado. This is shaping out to be the best division in baseball, and frankly, it’s going to be fun finding out how the West was won.

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