Dodgers: National League Championship Series Positional Breakdown

Bench

I’m going to keep on saying it until my lungs give out. The Dodgers have the best bench in baseball. Outside of Austin Barnes every single bat that is on the bench, is a legitimate threat. Even Barnes had been providing much better at bats towards the back half of the season.

We saw just how deadly David Freese was off the bench. Matt Kemp could be used off the bench depending on the starters. Same goes for the versatile Chris Taylor who will likely start the game on the bench against righ-handed starting pitchers.

For the Dodgers facing two lefties to start will create some deadly late game weapons on the bench. Max Muncy could be an option off the bench depending on the lineup. Joc Pederson would be on the bench for late game heroics. Cody Bellinger is also a candidate for a bench role against lefties. Dozier could also be used late.

Let’s also not forget about Puig who could be moved to the bench against lefties. Every single player listed has over 20 home runs and could change the game with one swing of the bat at any moment. Having this type of firepower off the bench could help counteract the nasty Milwaukee bullpen.

For the Brewers their bench is underwhelming. Dodger fans are familiar with Curtis Granderson and what he did (or didn’t do) for the Dodgers last season. Most of these bench players did not see much work in the division series and for good reason. They are not comparable to the starters.

Keon Broxton had a lousy 2018. He hit below the Mendoza line and his power numbers diminished. He struck out twice as many times as he got a hit. He made the NLDS roster even with their outfielders being very good. That should show just how underwhelming that bench in Milwaukee is.

Bench: Advantage Dodgers

Dodgers, 2-1