Why Each Team Will/Will Not Win The World Series: National League
Photo by Denis Poroy from Getty Images
As I said earlier today in my American League post, there are clear favorites in the National League.
But then again, the favorite does not always succeed.
Here is why each team will or won’t win the World Series in the National League.
Atlanta Braves
Why They Will
This is the best team in baseball.
Period. End of.
They are A+ all across the board.
They are, and should be, clear favorites.
Why They Won’t
Not counting the COVID year, the last team to have the best record and go on to win the World Series was the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Not to mention, last year the Braves were, once again, the best team in baseball.
And the Phillies made quick work of them in the ALDS.
Baseball is a weird sport!
Los Angeles Dodgers
Why They Will
If the Braves are A+ across the board and the best team in baseball, than the Dodgers are A’s across the board and the second best team in baseball.
They’re not quite as good, but they almost are.
I don’t think anybody would be surprised if this team won it all.
Why They Won’t
The starting rotation is pretty beat up, and pitching is the most important part of the postseason.
If things go south for the Dodgers this postseason, it’s going to be because of their starting pitching.
Milwaukee Brewers
Why They Will
If they have a lead against you once they go to the bullpen, good luck.
The Brewers are 4th in Major League Baseball in WAR from their relief pitchers.
Not only is that clutch time for the playoffs, but it also means manager Craig Counsell can go to many different options and not overwork arms if need be.
Why They Won’t
Pitching is the most important part of the postseason, but it can only get you so far.
The Brewers WAR outside of pitching is 15th, bang average in baseball.
That’s far from horrible, but it’s going to have to be better than that if they want to win it all.
Philadelphia Phillies
Why They Will
Nobody paid much attention to the Phillies this year, but they were a really, really good baseball team.
It’s easy to see why, considering they spent all year in 2nd from the red hot Braves, but they have all the same pieces, if not better pieces, than the team that went to game 6 of the World Series last year.
Why They Won’t
Look, this team is good!
They very easily could win it!
I was struggling to find reasons as to why the Phillies could not win it all.
And then I remembered that they’re Philadelphia.
And, considering the last calendar year for them, it just doesn’t seem likely now, does it?
Miami Marlins
Why They Will
The Marlins have made the playoffs 3 times in their history, and won the World Series twice.
That means they have a 66% chance to win the World Series this year.
Those are great odds!
Why They Won’t
This team just can’t hit.
I know I’ve said many times that pitching is the most crucial thing, but you have to be able to hit a little bit.
They just aren’t great at the dish.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Why They Will
The Diamondbacks have solid hitters, and two great starting pitchers.
The blueprint is there for a run.
Why They Won’t
Unfortunately, playoff series in baseball are usually more than 2 games, and the Diamondbacks staff after Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly is pretty awful.
If you can’t pitch in October, you just don’t have a chance.
