The Diamondbacks and Dodgers, in some ways, both had a surprising season – in a good way.
For what? Because the Dodgers haven’t been very active this winter and the Padres were expected to take control of the division. The Dodgers ultimately got over 100 wins.
Maybe that says more about the Padres than the Dodgers, all that, but hey.
What about the DBacks? Let’s say we expected a step forward, but few people had in mind a participation in the playoffs… and a victory in the duels wild card.
But the strength of the young people is exceptional there. This means that the club is ahead of its recovery plan, which is exciting.
But here, the challenge is imposing.
Starting pitchers
The Diamondbacks aligned themselves well by winning against the Brewers in two games during the series wild card.
For what? Because with Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday off (if necessary) against the Dodgers, Merrill Kelly will be able to pitch games #1 and #4. Zac Gallen will be able to start games #2 and #5.
They are the two best pitchers in the club. Brandon Pfaadt is also an option.
For the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw will be the #1 pitcher. He should also start match #4 – if there is match #4, obviously.
I don’t know how healthy he will be. His manager says yes (logically), but his velocity is decreasing. He is no longer in his prime and having him as the #1 pitcher in 2023 is not ideal.
Bobby Miller and (possibly) Lance Lynn will be the other pitchers. I’m more confident with what I see from the DBacks, but the Dodgers have experience on their side (except Miller), nonetheless.
Relievers
Clearly, if the DBacks have the best starters, they have less backup. If the starters don’t do the job, the club will be in trouble.
Paul Sewald and Ryan Thompson are not bad pitchers, but they don’t compare to the Dodgers, let’s face it.
The Dodgers will have the luxury of not being patient with their starters (John Schneider will take notes, I’m told) since their bullpen is really strong.
The Dodgers’ reliever average of 3.42 in 2023 ranks the club third in all of MLB in this regard.
The DBacks are ranked 18th.
Shelby Miller, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips and Emmet Sheehan are all names to watch over the course of the series.
Hitters
On offense, there is no debate: the two best hitters in the series play in California.
Both Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman won’t necessarily be finalists for MVP (Ronald Acuna Jr. will win it and Matt Olson could be a finalist), but they deserve it.
The Dodgers, with the likes of Max Muncy, JD Martinez and Will Smith of this world, have a big attack. One of the good guys in major league baseball.
Remember that the club had four batters with at least 100 RBIs.
But let’s not forget that DBacks also have good weapons. They may have less depth, but they are capable of having fun.
Corbin Carroll, Christian Walker, Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. all had at least 75 RBIs. Gabriel Moreno, who should be healthy for the series, has also made himself comfortable.
Defensive
During the season, the DBacks were the best team in the Nationals in terms of errors, with 56. They have around twenty fewer than the Dodgers.
Does this mean the Dodgers are to be underestimated? No.
What helps them is that Mookie Betts can play second base and right field. He can play shortstop… but in the playoffs, we’re going to have a little embarrassment.
What this means is that late in the game, I like Dave Roberts’ options.
Managers
Speaking of Roberts, the Dodgers manager is no stranger to the playoffs. That said, he often finds a way to make a controversial decision in the playoffs.
Will this be the case against the DBacks? That remains to be seen, but we have to respect his 2020 World Series ring.
On the other hand, Torey Lovullo still managed to do a lot with his group in Arizona in 2023. That’s no small thing.
He also has a World Series ring (2013) as a member of the Red Sox coaching staff. Mookie Betts liked him and considers him an important man to him.
Imponderables
The two teams know each other well as they are in the same division. They are also the clubs furthest west in the playoffs.
The fact that the Dodgers are there will attract attention. Will the young DBacks be able to respond to this pressure? To be continued.
