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Path to Glory: How the Mets and Dodgers Can Conquer the NLCS in the 2024 MLB Playoffs!

Source link : https://new-york.news/2024/10/12/new-york-news/path-to-glory-how-the-mets-and-dodgers-can-conquer-the-nlcs-in-the-2024-mlb-playoffs/

Table of Contents

2024 NLCS Preview: ⁤Mets vs.‌ Dodgers Showdown

New ⁢York Mets: A Deep and Diverse Lineup
Key Considerations for the Mets

Challenges Against the Dodgers

Pivotal Players for ⁢the Mets
Los Angeles Dodgers: Overcoming Obstacles
Tactical Considerations Against the Mets

Crucial Players for⁣ the Dodgers

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2024 NLCS Preview: ⁤Mets vs.‌ Dodgers Showdown

October 11, 2024, 10:36⁤ PM ET

The stage⁢ is set for the 2024 National League Championship Series!

On Sunday, the ​formidable New York Mets‍ will face off‍ against the Los Angeles ‍Dodgers, with ​the⁣ coveted World Series spot up ‌for grabs.

The Mets have​ made a triumphant return to the‌ NLCS for ⁢the first time since 2015, thanks ⁣to Francisco Lindor’s ​stunning⁣ grand slam in Game 4,⁤ which ended the⁣ Philadelphia Phillies’ run. Meanwhile, the Dodgers​ secured their spot‍ by defeating the San Diego Padres with a nail-biting​ 2-0⁢ victory in Game 5 of the NLDS.

What insights have emerged regarding ​these two powerhouse ⁤teams?⁤ What strategies must ⁣they employ to reach the Fall Classic? And who among them could be​ the pivotal players in the NLCS? ESPN⁤ MLB analysts Jorge Castillo, Alden Gonzalez, and David Schoenfield delve into ‍the details.

New ⁢York Mets: A Deep and Diverse Lineup

What stands out about the⁢ Mets in‍ this⁣ postseason?

Castillo: The ⁤Mets exhibit an⁤ unyielding lineup. ⁤While ​they ⁣may not⁤ have the star intensity⁢ found in ⁢the ⁤Dodgers’ roster, ⁢their batting ⁤order ‍is among the most formidable in Major⁣ League Baseball. ⁣Their ability ​to ⁢score from every position makes them a challenging opponent. They demonstrate astute at-bats, consistently come through in high-pressure‍ situations,⁣ and skillfully exploit opposing bullpens. A prime example was in Game 4 against the Phillies, where, after failing to capitalize with the bases loaded twice in the initial innings,‌ Lindor delivered a critical‌ grand slam against Carlos Estevez, ‌the Phillies’ top‍ reliever. On any given night, it could be Lindor, or Mark⁢ Vientos,​ or Pete Alonso, or any ‍of their other ​talented hitters stepping up. The lineup has a ⁣nice ​balance and depth, a‍ potential⁤ game-changer on‍ the road to the NL‍ pennant.

Key Considerations for the Mets

Schoenfield: The Mets‌ possess exceptional starting pitching depth compared‌ to their postseason counterparts,‍ featuring six⁤ capable arms including Kodai Senga, who started Game 1 against the ‌Phillies‍ but requires more preparation. Sean Manaea delivered an outstanding performance in Game 3 of the NLDS, pitching seven scoreless innings, contributing to a remarkable​ 16-4​ record in​ his last 20 starts. Jose Quintana has only surrendered one unearned run in 11 innings in⁣ his playoff outings, ⁣while ⁤Luis Severino,‍ David Peterson, and Tylor‍ Megill provide​ additional options, with Peterson also showing versatility as a reliever. ⁣With a‌ three-day rest before ‌the opening ‍game, the Mets can regroup and assess the ‍starter setup⁣ carefully.

Challenges Against the Dodgers

Castillo: Although the Dodgers displayed a solid bullpen throughout the NLDS, relying heavily ⁢on their relief ​pitchers​ may not be sustainable against the Mets. The New​ York team is likely to wear down ⁢Los Angeles’ bullpen ‍if starters such ⁤as ‌Yoshinobu Yamamoto‌ and ⁤Jack Flaherty​ do not extend their outings significantly.⁤ Failing to do‌ so could ⁣mean⁣ trouble for the Dodgers as ‌the series progresses.

Schoenfield: Another significant advantage for the Mets ​lies ⁤in‍ their trio of left-handed pitchers—Manaea, ‌Quintana,​ and‌ Peterson. Superstar Shohei Ohtani reacts poorly to lefties, amassing an OPS of .867 compared to a ⁢staggering 1.128 against righties. ⁣Furthermore, Max Muncy ‌struggled​ with⁢ a‌ .172 average against southpaws, and‍ if Freddie Freeman can⁣ play, ‍he’s been less effective‍ against lefties as well. Deploying ⁣more​ left-handed pitchers will play‍ into the Mets’ strategy ‌effectively.

Pivotal Players for ⁢the Mets

Castillo: A critical aspect for the Mets hinges on their​ bullpen, making ​closer Edwin⁣ Diaz an essential figure in this series. He’s regarded as the most effective reliever on the roster, featuring a high-velocity fastball and an outstanding slider. Yet, his performance this year has been inconsistent after ⁢a torn ACL sidelined him throughout 2023, with ​a rocky period including‌ a brief loss of his ⁣closing ‍role and‍ a sticky substance-related suspension. Following‌ some shaky⁣ outings in the playoffs, the Mets require⁤ Diaz ⁤to regain his ​dominant‌ form to close out games decisively.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Overcoming Obstacles

What ‌has impressed observers about ‍the Dodgers this ‍postseason?

Gonzalez: ⁤The Dodgers have excelled in maintaining a resilient bullpen amid mounting injuries ‌to their ⁣starters. Looking at their remarkable performance, particularly⁤ in Game 4 where they secured a ‌crucial shutout against the Padres, reflects the strength ‍of their relief corps. Currently, they’ve adapted to a three-man rotation, with ⁣Yoshinobu⁣ Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, and‍ Walker⁢ Buehler each ‍facing their set of challenges, ⁣but they⁣ still have up to ‍seven reliable relievers at ‌their disposal.

Schoenfield: The essence of the Dodgers has been their resilience, a trait that hasn’t always been in their favor in previous playoff runs. Despite clinching the NL‌ West title, many anticipated the Padres to take⁤ the series when San Diego initially led 2-1. ​Yet, with perfect execution aided by their relief pitchers, the Dodgers moved past the ‍Padres with a much-needed Game 4 win, demonstrating they can win even when star players like Freddie⁤ Freeman are hampered by injuries. This might just be the season when they surprise naysayers.

Tactical Considerations Against the Mets

Gonzalez: The Mets’ path to⁣ the NLCS drew interest, particularly with Lindor’s slam against Estevez,⁤ confirming their capability to deliver ​crucial ⁤hits. With six victories in⁤ nine games since ⁤their ⁣September 30 final regular-season⁢ contest against the Braves, they displayed notable resilience,⁤ completing five come-from-behind wins, including a trio⁣ of those in the late innings.

Schoenfield: While their resilience⁤ is impressive, the Dodgers must seek better results from their starting pitchers. Winning a‍ five-game series while​ leaning heavily‌ on the​ bullpen is ⁤one thing; ‍however, ‍sustaining that over seven games may pose challenges. The Mets too‌ have shown crafted resilience with ​their ⁤comebacks ‍against the Braves, Brewers,⁤ and Phillies, overcoming formidable ‌closers.

Crucial Players for⁣ the Dodgers

Gonzalez: A player ​who may not be on everyone’s ⁢radar but is vital for the ⁢Dodgers is Enrique⁣ Hernandez. Acquired‌ specifically for moments like‍ these, ⁤he delivered a⁣ spectacular home run in the crucial Game 5. His ability to rise ​during high-pressure instances makes ⁢him a⁢ key asset, particularly in creating ​opportunities‍ for players like Ohtani to capitalize on.

Schoenfield: Mookie Betts also stands out as a player ​who needs to carry his momentum forward. Following his resurgence with powerful‌ home runs against the Padres, ⁤maintaining‌ this level of performance ‌is essential, especially with left-handed starters on the rise ‍from the Mets and concerns about Freeman’s production.

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Author : New-York

Publish date : 2024-10-12 04:50:21

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