2020 NLDS LAD vs PHI Preview
Feb 6, 2019 2:44:47 GMT -5
Commissioner Erick and friscoranger like this
Post by brandoncubs on Feb 6, 2019 2:44:47 GMT -5
Los Angeles Dodgers (94-68) @ Philadelphia Phillies (99-63)
This NLDS showdown pits the defending PBA champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the young and exciting Philadelphia Phillies. This is a meeting between two stellar post all star break teams, as the teams have the first and second best records respectably, with the Phillies just one game better. With the head to head record being 4 games to 3 in favor of the Phillies, it points even more to these teams being evenly matched. This should be a great matchup, and one I believe will go at least 6 games if not all seven.
The Dodgers come in as the defending champs and firing on all cylinders offensively after a slow start to the season. The 3-7 spots in the lineup consist of a murderers row of left handers led by Nomar Mazara that will look to wreck the very foundation of the Phillies pitching staff, which currently only consists of one left hander in reliever Tony Watson. Mazara started off unusually slow to the season, but like most of the Dodger offense, picked it up in the second half to finish the season with his norm of 30 plus home runs and 100 plus rbi season. They also got a huge boost offensively from former top prospect Willie Calhoun. With Calhoun buckled up down the first base line, he broke out to the tune of 30 dingers and .349 obp. The Dodgers rotation is anchored as always by super-ace and hall of fame bound Clayton Kershaw. The Highland Park native had another typical dominate season, highlighted by his outstanding 2.32 FIP and .5 home runs per 9 innings allowed. He will be the likely difference maker in this series, with the Phillies lineup being so lefty dominate. The rest of the rotation is rounded out nicely by Maeda, Allen, and Caldwell. The bullpen is solid as ever in the backend with Kenley Jansen holding down the fort with the 2nd best k/9 in PBA at 14.7.
The Phillies come into this series with the better record, but yet are probably the underdog in this grudge match, which is all to familiar to the city of brotherly love. They've had a fantastic season with a win increase of 32 games from the previous season, and have vaulted themselves from team in rebuilding mode to championship contender. They're led on offense by a core of stud young left handers such as JP Crawford, Max Schrock, Yordan Alvarez, and former first overall pick Seth Beer. Coupled with PBA vets Franco and Herrera having fantastic seasons of their own, the Fightin' Phils have a great nucleus that can take down the reigning champs. In order to have a shot though, their pitching will need to stand up to the challenge as well. Aaron Nola is having a nice bounce back season, but will need to be bring his A game in order to have a shot at hanging against Kershaw. Leake, Sanchez, and Weaver will need to limit the damage and hope the bullpen can help them out some. The backend of the pen consists of studs Tony Watson and Vince Velasquez, who will be counted on to put out several fires against another elite offense.
Key Matchups: Kershaw vs the Phillies young lineup. With Franco being the only righty masher on the team, these young lefties are gonna have the challenge of a lifetime trying to figure out Clayton Kershaw. If they're able to remain patient and make him work for every at bat, they'll have a chance. Franco will also need to step up. He's been the offensive leader for this club the past several seasons, and will need to produce once again when it matters the most.
Phillies Bullpen vs the middle of the Dodgers lineup: The starting rotation can only hold the Dodgers at bay for so long, and will need shut down innings from the pen to help. The Phils ranked 4th in the NL in bullpen era, and will need guys like Ramirez and Fields to put out rallies in order to get the ball to their studs in Watson and Velazquez.
Prediction: Phillies put up a great fight, but Kershaw and the offense are just too much. Dodgers in 6
This NLDS showdown pits the defending PBA champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the young and exciting Philadelphia Phillies. This is a meeting between two stellar post all star break teams, as the teams have the first and second best records respectably, with the Phillies just one game better. With the head to head record being 4 games to 3 in favor of the Phillies, it points even more to these teams being evenly matched. This should be a great matchup, and one I believe will go at least 6 games if not all seven.
The Dodgers come in as the defending champs and firing on all cylinders offensively after a slow start to the season. The 3-7 spots in the lineup consist of a murderers row of left handers led by Nomar Mazara that will look to wreck the very foundation of the Phillies pitching staff, which currently only consists of one left hander in reliever Tony Watson. Mazara started off unusually slow to the season, but like most of the Dodger offense, picked it up in the second half to finish the season with his norm of 30 plus home runs and 100 plus rbi season. They also got a huge boost offensively from former top prospect Willie Calhoun. With Calhoun buckled up down the first base line, he broke out to the tune of 30 dingers and .349 obp. The Dodgers rotation is anchored as always by super-ace and hall of fame bound Clayton Kershaw. The Highland Park native had another typical dominate season, highlighted by his outstanding 2.32 FIP and .5 home runs per 9 innings allowed. He will be the likely difference maker in this series, with the Phillies lineup being so lefty dominate. The rest of the rotation is rounded out nicely by Maeda, Allen, and Caldwell. The bullpen is solid as ever in the backend with Kenley Jansen holding down the fort with the 2nd best k/9 in PBA at 14.7.
The Phillies come into this series with the better record, but yet are probably the underdog in this grudge match, which is all to familiar to the city of brotherly love. They've had a fantastic season with a win increase of 32 games from the previous season, and have vaulted themselves from team in rebuilding mode to championship contender. They're led on offense by a core of stud young left handers such as JP Crawford, Max Schrock, Yordan Alvarez, and former first overall pick Seth Beer. Coupled with PBA vets Franco and Herrera having fantastic seasons of their own, the Fightin' Phils have a great nucleus that can take down the reigning champs. In order to have a shot though, their pitching will need to stand up to the challenge as well. Aaron Nola is having a nice bounce back season, but will need to be bring his A game in order to have a shot at hanging against Kershaw. Leake, Sanchez, and Weaver will need to limit the damage and hope the bullpen can help them out some. The backend of the pen consists of studs Tony Watson and Vince Velasquez, who will be counted on to put out several fires against another elite offense.
Key Matchups: Kershaw vs the Phillies young lineup. With Franco being the only righty masher on the team, these young lefties are gonna have the challenge of a lifetime trying to figure out Clayton Kershaw. If they're able to remain patient and make him work for every at bat, they'll have a chance. Franco will also need to step up. He's been the offensive leader for this club the past several seasons, and will need to produce once again when it matters the most.
Phillies Bullpen vs the middle of the Dodgers lineup: The starting rotation can only hold the Dodgers at bay for so long, and will need shut down innings from the pen to help. The Phils ranked 4th in the NL in bullpen era, and will need guys like Ramirez and Fields to put out rallies in order to get the ball to their studs in Watson and Velazquez.
Prediction: Phillies put up a great fight, but Kershaw and the offense are just too much. Dodgers in 6