Post by White Sox GM (Michael) on Sept 14, 2014 16:38:55 GMT -5
Nothing is set yet, but we can determine the winners of the NL matchups with near-certainty.
National League Championship Series
#1 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. #2 Chicago Cubs
Simply put, this is a clash of the class of the National League.
Coming off another dominant week, the Diamondbacks look as strong as ever. Anthony Rendon and Andrew McCutchen are carrying the offense with torrid finishes to MVP-caliber years. Overall, the lineup is balanced with power, speed, and ability to reach base. The rotation will be without Drew Smyly for the remainder of the season, and Hyun-Jin Ryu's near future is also questionable, yet the pitching remains strong. Johnny Cueto has been a stand-out, and Madison Bumgarner, Shelby Miller, and Jake Peavy are all key contributors. Arizona also has a few bullpen aces in Greg Holland, Zach Britton, and Dellin Betances.
In their first playoff run, the Chicago Cubs are making a strong bid for the title. The offense doesn't look like a standout at first, but it was near or at the top of most hitting categories this season. The Cubs lineup, however, has no holes and has several key contributors like Ian Desmond and Jayson Werth. Really, though, their strength is pitching. Chicago has a handful of aces, including Jon Lester and David Price, as well as other very good starters, like Tim Hudson, Brandon McCarthy, and Marcus Stroman. The bullpen isn't as deep, but it is equally dominant; Aroldis Chapman, Huston Street, Joe Smith, Tyler Clippard and Andrew Miller are all having terrific seasons.
Both teams are strong all-around, but ultimately, the Diamondbacks have the stronger offense and the Cubs have the stronger rotation. The matchup is too close to predict over a one-week span. Surely, whoever comes out on top will be a tough team to beat in the Fall Classic.
National League Championship Series
#1 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. #2 Chicago Cubs
Simply put, this is a clash of the class of the National League.
Coming off another dominant week, the Diamondbacks look as strong as ever. Anthony Rendon and Andrew McCutchen are carrying the offense with torrid finishes to MVP-caliber years. Overall, the lineup is balanced with power, speed, and ability to reach base. The rotation will be without Drew Smyly for the remainder of the season, and Hyun-Jin Ryu's near future is also questionable, yet the pitching remains strong. Johnny Cueto has been a stand-out, and Madison Bumgarner, Shelby Miller, and Jake Peavy are all key contributors. Arizona also has a few bullpen aces in Greg Holland, Zach Britton, and Dellin Betances.
In their first playoff run, the Chicago Cubs are making a strong bid for the title. The offense doesn't look like a standout at first, but it was near or at the top of most hitting categories this season. The Cubs lineup, however, has no holes and has several key contributors like Ian Desmond and Jayson Werth. Really, though, their strength is pitching. Chicago has a handful of aces, including Jon Lester and David Price, as well as other very good starters, like Tim Hudson, Brandon McCarthy, and Marcus Stroman. The bullpen isn't as deep, but it is equally dominant; Aroldis Chapman, Huston Street, Joe Smith, Tyler Clippard and Andrew Miller are all having terrific seasons.
Both teams are strong all-around, but ultimately, the Diamondbacks have the stronger offense and the Cubs have the stronger rotation. The matchup is too close to predict over a one-week span. Surely, whoever comes out on top will be a tough team to beat in the Fall Classic.
