Dodgers: Comparing the Possible NLDS Opponents

 Arizona Diamondbacks (63-48)

The Diamondbacks are a possible threat to the Dodgers for one simple reason; they have talent in every facet of the game.

Their excellent starting pitching staff, which currently owns the majors 2nd best ERA, has carried them to their standout season. Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray have headlined for the team thus far, but they recently lost Ray to a scary comebacker.

It is not only the starters that have been holding down the fort for this team, the bullpen should get just as much credit. Their bullpen is currently ranked 6^th in the majors with a 3.54 ERA. Former starter Archie Bradley, who has quietly been one of the majors’ best relievers, has led their bullpen to its near elite status. Look for them to possibly add another piece to the bullpen in August.

How could we forget the Diamondbacks’ lineup that possibly has this year’s NL MVP? Yes, I’m talking about Paul Goldschmidt, who has led this team with 25 HR and a 1.031 OPS. He is surrounded by other power threats in Jake Lamb and J.D Martinez who form an elite heart of the order and will make sure to put the Dodgers’ pitchers on notice.

Colorado Rockies (64-47)

At one point this year the Rockies had the best record in baseball, and they were being hyped up as threats to the NL West crown. Well as we know, they aren’t a significant threat to the NL West title but could be a dangerous NLDS opponent.

Let’s start off by examining their starting rotation that has the 23^rd ranked team ERA. Jon Gray has gotten back to full health and will possibly be at full strength for a playoff game or two. Behind him are the likes of Jeff Hoffman and Antonio Senzatela, who are solid pitchers that could be aided by non-Coors Field parks.

The bullpen hasn’t been too much of a different story from the starting rotation, but what can you expect from a team that plays half their games in Denver?

Greg Holland has been one of the game’s best relievers this season and has been this bullpen’s bright spot. Jake McGee and Chris Rusin, who have done a good job of getting the ball to Holland, fill a few other spots in the pen. They were also able to swing a deal for Pat Neshek, which will only strengthen their pen.

And now, the moment you’ve all waited for, the Rockies’ lineup. They have racked up the 3^rd highest run total this season with 593 runs scored, and have talent all over the field.

Nolan Arenado is having another MVP-caliber season with 25 HR and a .961 OPS. He is surrounded by other big hitters such as Charlie Blackmon, who will get some MVP votes, and D.J LeMahieu who is getting on base at a .383 clip. Add in the addition of Jonathon Lucroy and Coors Field, aka Satan field, and the Dodgers have themselves a possible threat.

The Field

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Right now the Rockies and Diamondbacks carry a five game lead over the third wild card contender, but we’ve seen crazier comebacks so we must mention them.

The Milwaukee Brewers are an interesting team as they have tons of young talent. However, they have vastly overperformed this year off of breakout performances from Travis Shaw and Danny Santana.

They also boast the majors 8^th best starter’s ERA which is nothing to look down upon, considering they play half their games in a hitter’s park. Their bullpen has had an issue with walking batters this season, but they can get the job done.

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently one game under .500, but they have enough talent to make a run at the wild card. Their rotation is ranked 6^th in the majors and is led by Carlos Martinez.

Their bullpen is also quite solid as they have the 8^th best bullpen ERA at 3.82. Their lineup has been their Achilles heel, as they have been very inconsistent all year and lack that one big hitter. You should never count out the Cardinals though; the Dodgers have learned the hard way.

The Pittsburg Pirates have been a very talented team, but have struggled to find consistency all season. They have a solid bullpen that has Felipe Rivero, an up and coming stud reliever. They also have a starting pitching staff led by Gerrit Cole and Ivan Nova, who have more than pulled their weight thus far.

The resurgence of Andrew McCutchen and consistent play of Josh Harrison highlight a lineup that isn’t backed up by consistent guys. The Pirates have talent, but even if they did make the playoffs, they would be without Starling Marte because of his PED suspension.

So, who’s the actual threat to the Dodgers here? If I had to choose one, it would be the Diamondbacks because they are the best-built team for a five-game series. That’s no shot at the Rockies, who will be a tough opponent as well.

Next: Best NL Team Ever?

The field teams most likely won’t get a playoff spot, even if they did, they wouldn’t be at the same threat level. Isn’t it fun to dissect October baseball in August?