NLDS 2017: Here’s why the Diamondbacks will beat the Dodgers
1. Underdog role
Although the Diamondbacks have a better record than three of the seven other teams remaining (wild-card win elevates them above Boston), many don’t consider the Arizona Diamondbacks legitimate World Series contenders. However, they are. In fact, they’re one of—if not the—best teams in the National League. But, keep counting them out, because the Diamondbacks thrive in an underdog role.
Arizona’s success has been overshadowed by that of the Dodgers in the NL West. Despite having an extremely successful regular season, many individuals have taken a look at their NL West deficit and shrugged them off, but the Diamondbacks are here to stay. Much like their vocal leader, Paul Goldschmidt, the Diamondbacks are at their best when under the radar. One year ago, few would’ve thought that the then 69-93 Diamondbacks would contend for a title in one-year’s time. Alas, here they are.
The Diamondbacks finished the regular season with a 93-69 record; a complete 180-degree turnaround from last season. Nobody expected this drastic change, this fast. Except for maybe Arizona. The near-95-win record was enough to elevate them into a playoff position. Despite being the wild-card winner, the Diamondbacks are a serious threat to dethrone baseball’s top team (record wise). They’ve already compiled one of the baseball’s top records, a winning record against the Dodgers and have a wild-card win to their name. What more is there to do? To quote Major League, “win the whole f****** thing”.
Keep counting out the Diamondbacks and considering them underdogs, they’ll keep winning. Although the Diamondbacks have continuously been labeled underdogs, they’ve got a legitimate chance to advance to the NLCS, especially with all of the advantages they possess over the Dodgers.