Introduction to the Dodgers’ Concerns
The Dodgers are set to face the Brewers in the 2025 NLCS, and there are several concerns that they should have. The Brewers have a strong pitching staff, a potent offense, and a solid defense. In this article, we will explore nine concerns that the Dodgers should have when facing the Brewers.
Concerns About the Brewers’ Pitching Staff
Depth and Variety of Pitchers
Beyond the above names, the Brewers pitching staff just keeps coming in waves. There is crafty veteran left-handed starter Jose Quintana (11-7, 3.96 ERA), who has long been a thorn in the Dodgers’ side (2.32 ERA in 15 outings against them). There is a hard-throwing bullpen hierarchy of Trevor Megill (30 saves, 2.49 ERA), Abner Uribe (seven saves, 37 holds, 1.67 ERA) and left-hander Jared Koenig (two saves, 27 holds, 2.86 ERA).
Middle Relievers and Their Impact
There are productive middle relievers in Grant Anderson and Nick Mears (right-handers with 60-plus appearances and sub-3.50 ERAs) and Aaron Ashby (another lefty with a 2.16 ERA, but who struggled as an opener in the NLDS). It means, even in a seven-game series, there could be few weak spots in the Milwaukee pitching staff for the Dodgers to exploit.
Concerns About the Dodgers’ Offense
Struggling Against Left-Handed Pitchers
The Dodgers have struggled against left-handed pitchers in the past, and the Brewers have several left-handers in their pitching staff. This could be a major concern for the Dodgers, as they may struggle to score runs against the Brewers’ left-handed pitchers.
Inability to Hit in Clutch Situations
The Dodgers have also struggled to hit in clutch situations, which could be a major concern in a playoff series. If the Dodgers are unable to come through in big moments, they may find themselves on the losing end of the series.
Concerns About the Brewers’ Offense
Power Hitters
The Brewers have several power hitters in their lineup, including Christian Yelich and Rowdy Tellez. These hitters have the ability to change the game with one swing of the bat, which could be a major concern for the Dodgers.
Speed and Aggressiveness
The Brewers also have several speedy players on their roster, including Tyrone Taylor and Garrett Mitchell. These players have the ability to make things happen on the basepaths, which could be a major concern for the Dodgers.
Concerns About the Dodgers’ Defense
Inability to Turn Double Plays
The Dodgers have struggled to turn double plays at times, which could be a major concern against the Brewers. If the Dodgers are unable to turn double plays, they may find themselves in trouble against the Brewers’ offense.
Lack of Range in the Outfield
The Dodgers also have a lack of range in the outfield, which could be a major concern against the Brewers. If the Dodgers are unable to track down fly balls and line drives, they may find themselves giving up extra bases to the Brewers.
Concerns About the Dodgers’ Bullpen
Inability to Close Out Games
The Dodgers have struggled to close out games at times, which could be a major concern against the Brewers. If the Dodgers are unable to close out games, they may find themselves on the losing end of the series.
Concerns About the Brewers’ Managerial Decisions
Ability to Make In-Game Adjustments
The Brewers’ manager has shown an ability to make in-game adjustments, which could be a major concern for the Dodgers. If the Brewers are able to make adjustments on the fly, they may be able to gain an advantage over the Dodgers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dodgers have several concerns that they should have when facing the Brewers in the 2025 NLCS. From the Brewers’ deep and talented pitching staff to their potent offense and solid defense, the Dodgers will have their hands full in this series. If the Dodgers are unable to address these concerns, they may find themselves on the losing end of the series.
FAQs
Q: Who are some of the key players on the Brewers’ pitching staff?
A: Some of the key players on the Brewers’ pitching staff include Jose Quintana, Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, and Jared Koenig.
Q: What is one area where the Dodgers have struggled against the Brewers in the past?
A: One area where the Dodgers have struggled against the Brewers in the past is against left-handed pitchers.
Q: Who are some of the power hitters in the Brewers’ lineup?
A: Some of the power hitters in the Brewers’ lineup include Christian Yelich and Rowdy Tellez.
Q: What is one concern that the Dodgers should have about their defense?
A: One concern that the Dodgers should have about their defense is their inability to turn double plays.
Q: Who is the manager of the Brewers and what is one of his strengths?
A: The manager of the Brewers is Craig Counsell, and one of his strengths is his ability to make in-game adjustments.
