Dodgers: Waiting for NLCS Opponent

In the eyes of Dodger fans, the wait for a National League Championship Series opponent seems to be taking forever. Washington was able to extend the series against Chicago to force a winner-takes-all game 5. The Dodgers are patiently waiting in the wings of LA since Monday.

Washington and Chicago underwent a series of delays while at Wrigley Field, eventually leading the two teams into a postponed fourth game in their NLDS. Even with the prolonged time-frame for an opponent, the goal of the Dodgers does not change. They will be primed and prepared to come out with confidence after the series with the Diamondbacks, and will undoubtedly look to continue their postseason success through the NLCS.

Levels of excitement around the Dodgers have been through the roof, and the hopes of blowing by the Nationals or the Cubs could not be any more optimistic right now. Whoever makes it out alive and into the second round will have a tough task ahead of them; for they are not only running into an offense that has been putting up great at-bats, but the pitching has been almost lights out. Oh, and regardless of who faces LA in the NLCS, they will also have to do battle against Clayton Kershaw in Game One.

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.

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