NLCS 2016: Preview and predictions
Here is your official guide to the 2016 NLCS between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, which will begin on Saturday night.
The Chicago Cubs were legitimately the most dominant team in all of Major League Baseball this season, so there was no surprise when they clearly ran away with the NL Central and powered their way to this year’s NLCS.
Behind strong pitching from the likes of Jon Lester, last year’s Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, and the late-season addition of Aroldis Chapman as closer, the Cubs steamrolled nearly every team they faced and made a huge statement in winning the division.
Their entire rotation, which will be the same as it was against the Giants in the NLDS, will be fully rested when the series kicks off this Saturday night at Wrigley Field.
The Dodgers had a bit of a more scenic route to the NLCS, finishing the season with a mere four-game lead on the Giants. Both teams had their issues with their respective NLDS encounters, with the Dodgers having to go to a decisive Game 5 against the Nationals. Clayton Kershaw pulled Los Angeles through the series finale, taking an unexpected role as closer, and punching a ticket for a dance with the Cubs.
On paper, the Cubs seem to be the favorites. They won 103 games this year, compared to LA’s 91 wins. Their entire lineup was crucial in helping things along way, from Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, to the defensive wonders of Javier Baez.
But the Dodgers could make a serious stand with their bullpen, which has struck out 28 batters so far and stranded 18 of 22 baserunners this postseason. If the Dodgers’ lineup and rotation can keep things within striking distance, their bullpen could cause problems for the Wrigley faithful.
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Thankfully for Chicago, they won’t have to deal with Kershaw until Sunday at the earliest. Conversely, Jon Lester is a playoff veteran, and will throw everything he’s got from the opening pitch on Saturday.
If anything is to be feared if you’re a Cubs fan, it’s that they’ve had a string of come-from-behind victories this year, including the dramatic four-run ninth inning in their deciding win over the Giants. If they fall behind early, the Dodgers bullpen can capitalize on that.
Related Story: ALCS 2016: Preview and predictions
With all of that being said, all eyes will be on Wrigley Field at 7:00 p.m. Central on Saturday night. FS1 will be your home for coverage of the entire NLCS.