Five Key Storylines To Watch In The NLCS
The New York Mets will continue their magical season when they face the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday.
Few people predicted that the Mets would still be standing this deep in October, especially in the wake of the dark days of May. However, here we are and this team is just four wins away from reaching the World Series.
But, before we get too carried away, the Mets have an extremely tall task in front of them in the Dodgers. L.A. is a legit World Series contender, one laden with star power. Taking down one of the best teams in baseball won’t be easy.
And, on that note, let’s dive into five compelling storylines to follow ahead of Game 1 of the NLCS later on Sunday.
Photo by Brad Penner of Imagn Images
Can The Magic Continue?
The Mets sure look like this year’s team of destiny. They’ve been riding a magical carpet ride for months now and have defied the odds at every single turn. No matter how much adversity is thrown at them, this team figures out a way to overcome and advance. They beat the Brewers. They stunned the Phillies. What’s next?
Well, the Dodgers are in a different class. They too have overcome their fair share of adversity this season. Plus, boasting a plethora of star and firepower, this L.A. team will represent the Mets’ toughest test of the entire year. Will the baseball gods continue smiling down upon New York in the NLCS?
Will Winning The Starting Pitching Battle Be Enough?
It is hard to disagree with the fact that the Dodgers are more talented than the Mets. However, you can’t dispute the fact that New York has the better starting pithing heading into Game 1. L.A.’s rotation has been ravaged by injuries all year long. As a result, the Dodgers only have really two reliable starting pitchers in Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jack Flaherty. Of note, Yamamoto won’t be able to pitch until Game 3 or Game 4.
On the flipside, the Mets have an entire rotation of guys they can count on. Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana have been stellar so far this postseason. Kodai Senga didn’t miss a beat after returning from injury. Meanwhile, David Peterson has emerged as a lethal weapon coming out of the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever.
Granted, the Dodgers boast one of the best offenses in the game. But, if the Mets can get more brilliance from their starters throughout this series, then that could prove to be the difference in the NLCS.
Will The Mets Bullpen Hold Up?
Despite being gassed, the bullpen stepped up in the National League Division Series against the Phillies. However, in a best-of-seven series, can this group of relievers go the distance? It is a good question.
Edwin Díaz, Phil Maton and José Buttó have all endured their fair share of struggles so far this postseason. There have been other near-heart attacks waiting to happen, too. For instance, we know Ryne Stanek is susceptible to the long ball. And, given how explosive this L.A. offense is, the Mets can’t afford to have any significant meltdowns from their bullpen. Furthermore, Díaz will need to be his dominant self in every outing he makes if his team are going to have a chance of advancing to the World Series.
When you also consider how dominant L.A.’s bullpen was against the Padres, 19 scoreless innings in three games, New York may need to get more bullpen work out of the likes of David Peterson and Tylor Megill.
Overall, this bullpen has cheated death on a slew of occasions. However, that run of luck may run out in this series and a year of overuse could finally catch up with this taxed pen.
Mark Vientos. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
All Hands On Deck
As was the case with the Phillies, you can argue that the Dodgers have more offensive firepower on paper than the Mets. However, this Mets team has arguably more depth up and down the lineup. Mark Vientos went 9-for-16 in the National League Division Series with two homers and two doubles. Jose Iglesias has been clutch all year. Jesse Winker has come up with big hit after big hit since being acquired at the trade deadline. Francisco Alvarez is almost unstoppable when he gets hot. Luisangel Acuña can provide a real speed threat off the bench. Starling Marte has had his moments this postseason. Plus, Jeff McNeil is on the National League Championship Series roster and he has slashed .289/.376/.547 (.923 OPS) since the All-Star break. Plus, let’s not forget Pete Alonso, who has exploded offensively in the playoffs.
If the Mets want to advance, they will need contributions from up and down the lineup all series long. Especially if they want to figure out that formidable LA bullpen.
Battle of the MVPs
Arguably the juiciest storyline of the entire National League Championship Sieres will be the battle between Francisco Lindor and Shohei Ohtani. After a historic 50-50 season, Ohtani will no doubt win the National League MVP. But can Lindor have the last laugh by winning the biggest prize of them all in the World Series?
Lindor has been the Mets’ MVP all year and he will need to be at the very peak of his powers in order to help lead his team to the World Series. If Lindor can carve out another monster series and outplay the other huge star of this series, then he will cement his place in Mets lore forever.
As for Ohtani, the superstar endured a quiet National League Division Series after going 2-for-15 with eight strikeouts between Games 2 and 5. However, he did hit a monster three-run home run in his postseason debut and it is only a matter of time until he truly breaks out.
Slowing Ohtani down while hoping Lindor balls out will arguably be the two biggest keys to winning the National League Championship and advancing to the World Series for the Mets.
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