2023 Division Series
NLDS Diamondbacks (84-78) vs. Dodgers (100-62)
Game 1 - ARI RHP Kelly vs. LAD LHP Kershaw @ Dodger Stadium
Game 2 - ARI RHP Gallen vs. LAD RHP Miller @ Dodger Stadium
Game 3 - LAD RHP Lynn vs. ARI RHP Pfaadt @ Chase Field
The Dodgers are back in the postseason for the 11th straight season, winning the NL West for the 10th time in that span. They’ve put together yet another 100+ win campaign for the 4th consecutive full season(they were on an historic pace in the COVID-shortened 2020 season or it could have been 5 in a row). This organization has been a machine built not only on star power, but also on unrivaled depth. They rely on multi-positional defenders, platoon lineups, and a stable of relievers with incredible stuff. Of course, they are led by two perennial MVP candidates in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, not to mention a star catcher in Will Smith. But these Dodgers likely would not have won the West without revivals from J.D. Martinez, Jason Heyward, and Max Muncy. This Los Angeles squad does have one major flaw, however. The starting pitchers are either hurt, old, ineffective, or inexperienced. The future Hall-of-Famer Clayton Kershaw will get the call in game one, but shoulder problems have drastically limited his innings and severely diminished his stuff. Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin are all out with elbow injuries. Trade deadline acquisition Lance Lynn gave up a league leading 44 home runs, and Bobby Miller, the best and most consistent of the options, has never pitched in the postseason. So, for often maligned manager Dave Roberts, how much he will get out of his starters is quite frankly a mystery. Despite all the regular season success of the past decade, every year save one has ended in bitter disappointment in the City of Angels. Will this year be different, or will the Dodgers fall yet again to an underdog.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have gotten hot at the right time, rallying for two comeback wins against the NL Central champ Brewers in the Wild Card round. And now they have to go up against their division rival, who have had the Snakes number over the past few seasons. Working in their favor, however, is how they can lineup their pitching. Their top two starters, Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, will be able to start 4 out of 5 games if necessary on regular rest. The only problem, Kelly has never beaten LA in his career (0-11 5.49 ERA 16 GS), and Gallen has not fared much better (0-4 4.29 ERA 6 GS @ LAD). The Arizona offense can run hot and cold, but as they demonstrated against the highly touted Brewers, the Snakes can strike quickly and in bunches. Look for the dynamic duo of Carroll and Marte to set the table, while Walker, Moreno, and Gurriel aim to drive them in. Torey Lovullo has this team primed and ready to keep shocking the world.
Audio clips from MLB.tv
TBS - Bob Costas and Ron Darling
ARI Radio 98.7 - Greg Schulte, Tom Candiotti, and Chris Garagiola
Catch you next time,
P.C.O.
