Dodgers: Comparing the Possible NLDS Opponents

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?