The LA Dodgers are setting themselves up for back-to-back World Series titles, and the bets are on them to win. Considering the sublime form they have been in this season, it would be silly to write off another title for the franchise.
Can they win it, though? Can they top off the fantastic season they are having with a World Series win, or are there other teams waiting in the wings to strike and dethrone the Kings of Los Angeles?
Personnel
The team that the Dodgers have assembled is almost unfair. Max Scherzer, Walker Buehler, Cory Seager, Mookie Betts, Albert Pujols, and Cody Bellinger are just a few of the names on their stacked roster.
Scherzer is proving to be one of the best pitchers in the league at the moment. With a 1.29 ERA, he is an incredible addition to the Dodger’s already impressive and robust bullpen.
Max Muncey is another player that has come to the fore this season, bat in hand. He has scored 80 runs from his 399 at-bats, with 104 hits and 30 home runs, 12 behind MLB leader Shohei Ohtani.
More importantly, the Dodgers finally have a solid number of relief pitchers on their books. Gone are the days of relying on the arms of a select few; their depth in the pitching department is a massive plus.
The Dodgers have fielded 37 different pitchers this year alone. Their numerous injury problems haven’t had any effect: there is a world-class starter or closer waiting in the wings.
Form
Their team strength is evident, but the team that is currently performing has placed the Dodgers as firm World Series favorites. They are currently sitting with an 85-49 record, tying them with the Giants at the top of the NL West.
They have been formidable at home too, with a record of 46-23; they have turned Dodger Stadium into a fortress of sorts. Away from their home ground, they have a record of 39-26; while it certainly isn’t the worst in the league, the Giants are better on the road, and they are their biggest competition.
They will have to improve their away form very quickly if they are going to challenge the likes of the Giants in the NL West and other teams such as the Brewers and the Braves, who have been tearing it up across the National League.
Consistency is also going to be needed if they are to reach the World Series. This isn’t to say that the Dodgers aren’t, or can’t be, consistent but the level of competition is so high this season that they can easily be left behind.
Teams like the Yankees, Braves, Phillies, Padres and White Sox have all shown their ability to win important games and winning runs. While the Dodgers are arguably better than these contenders, the threats are all around them.
World Series Odds
Currently the Dodgers are favorites to win the World Series. As mentioned previously, they added several great players to their already strong roster, giving themselves depth and backups for the injury troubles they have had.
Speaking of injuries, this could be their downfall on the way to the World Series. A dozen players unavailable, including Clayton Kershaw, means that some of them will need to get back to fitness to ensure they have a full-strength squad.
On the downside, these injuries, if not sorted out soon, could be their undoing. The Giants are so incredible that you just won’t keep up if you aren’t playing at full strength.
These injuries then, could lead to uncertainty. On paper, the Dodgers have the best team in the Majors, but they have to all be fit to make it work the way they want it to.
Another team that the Dodgers can’t ignore is the Tampa Bay Rays. They have been quietly putting in work in the AL East and sitting with a very respectable record of 84-50, putting them at the top of their table.
They are also about to start their series against the Giants. With the season-ending in just over a month, these games could prove that they either have what it takes to get to the big show or that all the hype was for nothing.
As you can see, even at this late stage of the season and with other teams playing so well, the Dodgers are still the favorites to win the World Series. Even in the face of significant injury problems, they find a way to win game after game.
As mentioned, the Giants, their long-time rivals, will be the biggest hurdle on their journey, but beating them will send a message to the league. If the Dodgers can overcome the Giants, they can overcome anything.
We have to wait and see what October will bring us, but right now, it is looking like the World Series is heading back to Los Angeles. Unless other teams can step their game up to the next level, the Dodgers will win it in style and with ease. Only time will tell.
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