Dodgers: National League Championship Series Positional Breakdown
By Hector Ponce
Bullpen
This is a strength of both teams. However, because of the shortcomings that the starters have for the Brewers, the bullpen has really been worked and have proven how dominant they are. The Dodgers bullpen on the other hand has been good, but lacks the attention because of the dominant starting pitching stealing their shine.
The Brewers bullpen is headlined by Josh Hader. The lanky 24-year-old has some of the best stuff in the bigs. There are times when he just looks unhittable. Very similar to that of a prime Andrew Miller. That matchup for lefties is just unfair. He can also give the Brewers multiple innings which is bug because this bullpen will be asked to get a lot of outs this series.
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If the Dodgers do get behind early, it spells trouble. That is the recipe for success of this Brewers team. Give the bullpen the ball with the lead and watch them shut it down. Whether it be in the 4th inning or 7th inning this bullpen can end a game early. Jeremy Jeffress is another deadly arm in the bullpen that posted a sub 2.00 ERA.
They have a lot of credible arms in that bullpen. That is what makes it so scary. Joakim Soria and Corey Knebel are both former closers who are used early on because that is just how deep this bullpen is.
Not to be overlooked is the Dodgers bullpen. They are not on the same level as Milwaukee, but they are still very effective. Pedro Baez has had a breakthrough season. Ryan Madson has a plethora of playoff experience and looked magnificent in the NLDS. Dylan Floro was rarely used but he can be dominant. Kenta Maeda has been good in the bullpen.
Alex Wood had one shaky outing but he has been good coming out of the bullpen. Caleb Ferguson has been spectacular this season in relief. Scott Alexander has finally seemed to figure it out. Kenley Jansen looked good in the NLDS and if he is right, this bullpen is so much better.
The Brewers have a better bullpen but it is not by as big of a margin as you may think.