Los Angeles Dodgers: Complete World Series comparison of both teams
By Jason Reed
Bullpen:
Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Kenley Jansen, Ryan Madson, Kenta Maeda, Pedro Baez, Alex Wood, Dylan Floro, Julio Urias, Caleb Ferguson
The bullpen is likely going to change for the Los Angeles Dodgers and you probably already know what changes are made by the time you are reading this article.
However, we are assuming that the team will carry the same NLCS roster into the World Series, which includes an untouched bullpen.
That is a great move, as well. I am sick and tired of hearing about the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen, a bullpen in which the Dodgers out-pitched in every way. While the Brewers were good, the Dodgers’ relievers were dominant and held the game close when it mattered.
Kenley Jansen is pumping 96 mile-per-hour cutters again, so that is a great sign; Ryan Madson has emerged as this year’s Brandon Morrow and Pedro Baez has taken a big step up.
Former starting pitchers Kenta Maeda and Alex Wood are decent bullpen options with Dylan Floro, Julio Urias and Caleb Ferguson all serving as matchup pieces.
Boston Red Sox:
- Craig Kimbrel, Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier Joe Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Heath Hembree, Brandon Workman
The Boston Red Sox have some good arms in the bullpen but really are lacking the depth the Dodgers have; hence why Cora needed to use starting pitchers out of the bullpen.
Craig Kimbrel has turned from absolutely dominant to consistently putting the Red Sox in pressure situations when he comes into close.
The trio of Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier and Joe Kelly have really emerged as the reliable trio for the Sox. Outside of that, the Red Sox bullpen does not have much to get excited about.
If the Dodgers can drive up the starting pitcher’s pitch count and get to one or two of these guys, it is going to be a long night for the Red Sox.