Nine concerns Dodgers should have about facing Phillies in the NLDS

Introduction to the NLDS

All due respect to the Cincinnati Reds. But the Dodgers’ first real test of their World Series title defense is about to begin this weekend. After advancing past the plucky Reds and their 83-win roster in a best-of-three wild card series this week, the Dodgers will now face a true powerhouse in the best-of-five National League Division Series, matched up against a Philadelphia Phillies team facing unfinished business in the postseason.

Phillies’ Recent History

For years, the Phillies have been building toward contention. In each of the last four years, they’ve reached the playoffs while increasing their regular-season win total. However, the club’s recent October history has been filled with one disappointment after another: A loss to the Houston Astros in the World Series in 2022. An upset defeat at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 NL Championship Series. A four-game elimination to the rival New York Mets in last year’s NLDS.

Path to Success

The hope this year, coming off a 96-win regular season that gave the Phillies a first-round bye and home-field advantage in this NLDS, is that they finally have the path and the pieces to get over the hump. That, almost two decades removed from the franchise’s last World Series, they can climb to baseball’s mountaintop once again. That was evident during the bye week, when the Phillies sold more than 25,000 tickets for fans to come watch a practice. It will be obvious Saturday night, when the series begins at what will be a raucous Citizens Bank Park.

Concerns for the Dodgers

Ahead of Game 1, here are nine things to know about the Phillies, and the concerns they present to the Dodgers in this NLDS:

1. Powerful Lineup: The Phillies have a deep and powerful lineup, with multiple players capable of hitting home runs.
2. Strong Pitching: The Phillies have a strong pitching staff, with a good mix of veteran and young pitchers.
3. Aggressive Base Running: The Phillies are known for their aggressive base running, which can put pressure on the Dodgers’ defense.
4. Good Defense: The Phillies have a good defense, with multiple players who are above average at their positions.
5. Home-Field Advantage: The Phillies have home-field advantage in the series, which can be a significant factor in the playoffs.
6. Momentum: The Phillies are coming off a 96-win regular season, which can give them momentum and confidence in the playoffs.
7. Postseason Experience: The Phillies have a lot of postseason experience, with multiple players who have played in the playoffs before.
8. Depth: The Phillies have a deep roster, with multiple players who can contribute off the bench.
9. Hungry for a Championship: The Phillies are hungry for a championship, which can drive them to perform at a high level in the playoffs.

Conclusion

The Dodgers will face a tough test in the NLDS against the Phillies. The Phillies have a deep and powerful lineup, strong pitching, and good defense, which can make them a formidable opponent. The Dodgers will need to be at their best to advance to the next round.

FAQs

Q: What is the format of the NLDS?
A: The NLDS is a best-of-five series, with the team that wins three games first advancing to the next round.
Q: Who has home-field advantage in the series?
A: The Phillies have home-field advantage in the series.
Q: What is the key to the Dodgers’ success in the series?
A: The key to the Dodgers’ success in the series will be their ability to pitch well and play good defense, while also getting timely hits on offense.
Q: How important is postseason experience in the series?
A: Postseason experience can be important in the series, as it can give players an edge in terms of knowing what to expect and how to perform under pressure.
Q: What is the atmosphere like at Citizens Bank Park?
A: Citizens Bank Park is known for being a tough place for visiting teams to play, with a raucous crowd that can be intimidating.