Dodgers: Breaking down the Cubs vs. Dodgers match up in the NLCS
By Jason Reed
Final thoughts:
On paper, the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to have the advantage over the Chicago Cubs in the 2017 NLCS. All of the same factors that were stacked on the Cubs side last season are now stacked on the Dodgers’ side. Which a much deeper, healthier team this go around, the Dodgers look to be in prime position to head to their first World Series in 29 years.
However, this is still a series that could get away from the Dodgers. The Cubs, led by the masterful coaching of Joe Maddon, definitely have a chance to upset the Dodgers. All it takes is those bats to heat up and Jon Lester to get into playoff mode. While Kershaw may not meltdown this year (hopefully), there still is that uneasy feeling in the fans’ stomachs.
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Although, there is no reason that the Dodgers should not win the series. Although the Cubs’ rotation thrived in the NLDS, the Dodgers staff can go toe-to-toe with them. With four days rest and no huge workload in the NLDS, the Dodgers have a significant advantage.
The bullpens don’t even come close. Los Angeles’ bullpens have done a great job in keeping the Dodgers in positions to win. If it wasn’t for Chicago’s bullpen, they easily could have won this series in five games.
Offensively it is really close. The Cubs have some of the best bats in baseball, as do the Dodgers. However, with the NLDS play in mind, the Dodgers seem to be the hotter team at the dish. I have said it before, and will say it time and time again, the hottest team always will win the World Series.
Next: October no longer relies on Clayton Kershaw
Therefore, the prediction for this series is the Dodgers in five games. While that may be optimistic, and it certainly is biased, there is no reason the Dodgers shouldn’t be heading to the Fall Classic.