Dodgers: Waiting for NLCS Opponent

Chicago Cubs

Both the Cubs and the Dodgers will have their hands full once again if they indeed meet in the NLCS for the second year in a row. These two teams have been developing a more intense rivalry over the past few years, mainly because of the success that both teams have been enjoying lately.

Chicago eliminated Los Angeles in the NLCS last year and left a taste of ‘unfinished business‘ with the Dodgers. Once again, both organizations have crafted teams that have been talented enough for the postseason and if they meet, last year will become a complete write-off. These two winners of their respected divisions have noticeably changed since they met in the postseason last year.

Though the changes may have positively impacted the Dodgers, as opposed to the Cubs. Chicago simply exploited the weaknesses of the 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers. The pitching staff of the Cubs tore right through LA’s batting order, to the point that – even when the Dodgers had momentum, they were shut back down.

But now the offensive depth for LA has carried their team for more than 162 games and creates a frightening three-headed dragon to compliment a fantastic rotation and an equally flawless bullpen. If the Cubs do advance, they will face Clayton Kershaw in Game One, who will likely be a different pitcher since going 4.1 innings and allowing 4 ER on 11 hits, in his only outing against the defending World Champs, this season. Kersh is ready to keep the train moving, and if it means going through Chicago, he will be all in.

Washington Nationals

If the Dodgers happen to face the Nationals, you can bet your money on a showdown for the ages. For those Nationals who had to swallow a tough pill last year when they were eliminated by the Dodgers in the NLDS, there is only revenge for Washington to be had. Or so they think…

We can acknowledge the fact that the Nationals were a great team this year, but that was expected. But the Dodgers are better. Unfortunately for Washington, they appear to lack the look of a true championship competitor. That may be in part because their season went under the radar since they didn’t dominate as the Dodgers did during the regular season. Or perhaps they just they had it too easy – that only being considered because they were the only team in the NL East with a winning percentage above .500.

The bats from one to five of their Game Four lineup finished Wednesday with a combined batting average of .117. That includes their top studs of Tree Turner, Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, and Daniel Murphy. Their bullpen may not look that strong either, it has improved since the start of the year; but there is no way to utilize its full value if they are unable to score runs. If they pull together another win to advance but are unable to wake up their bats in-time for Game One, Kershaw he might work a masterpiece on them as he did with his lone start of 2017 where he went 7.0 innings with 1 ER and 3 H and 9 K.

Los Angeles Dodgers

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There obviously is never time to lose focus while in the middle of a playoff run, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are now in a position where they are most likely not to see the ace of whomever their opponent in Game One.

Both offenses have been known to catch fire at any time (with the Cubs, they remained strong after the NLDS last year and catapulted themselves to a World Series). But is it unoriginal to say that LA has looked more like a winning team throughout each postseason game this year?

I mean, they have yet to lose (knock on wood), and they have the luxury of sending their ace, Clayton Kershaw, to the mound to kick off the NLCS in Los Angeles on Saturday. So, really, the chances to get out to an ‘always positive’ series lead to start, may very well be in-check. Whether the deciding game of the second NLDS says much, Los Angeles will have their hands full; but at the very least, they will be well-rested, well-focused, and ready to win ball games.

Next: Potential Changes to the NLCS Roster