Dodgers: The Preferred NLDS Matchup Between Arizona and Colorado

Bullpens

Just as the Diamondbacks have had success against the Dodgers with their starting rotation, the Rockies’ bullpen has been far more effective against them.

Although the Dbacks have the lower bullpen ERA of 3.87 compared to the 4.31 of the Rockies pen, the Dodgers would match rather have to come back against the Dbacks bullpen than the Rockies.

The Rockies’ pen is led by the resurgent Greg Holland who has converted an impressive 41 of 45 save attempts.

For the Dbacks, they have had way more issues in the ninth inning as closer Fernando Rodney has an ERA over four.

Anytime Rodney comes into the game, he seems to make things interesting with base runners on, which is a terrible idea come October. Holland, on the other hand, has been lights out against LA.

Both teams have excellent setup men as the Rockies have mid-season trade acquisition Pat Neshek, and the Dbacks have Dodger “fan favorite” Archie Bradley.  Bradley is easily the better relief pitcher than Rodney, but either way, he is a very tough opponent, and LA will have to face him.

When it comes to southpaw relievers, the Rockies are better equipped to neutralize the likes of Seager, Bellinger and Granderson with Jake McGee and the hard-throwing Mike Dunn.  Neshek is also a reverse splits guy so the Rockies have three relievers who can get the Dodgers’ left-handed hitters out with the game on the line.

If the boys in blue have to come back to win late in the game, they would be better off going against the Diamondbacks.