Source: Los Angeles Dodgers via Facebook
At the time of writing, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the only Major League Baseball franchise to have won more than 100 matches this season – an incredible record to say the least. Last year, the Chicago Cubs were the one franchise to really stand out in the regular season and they went on to beat the Cleveland Indians to the World Series. Could the Dodgers emulate that feat this time around? They are certainly on track to push their rivals close.
The latest MLB odds on bet365 show the Dodgers at 13/4 and it is easy to see why. In recent weeks, Los Angeles have blown some of their closest competitors out of the water and they remain the strongest and most complete franchise in baseball. The likes of Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, and Corey Seager can fire the Dodgers to victory in the coming months – all three men are reliable with the bat.
Incredibly, Bellinger has 39 home runs this campaign; the joint-fifth highest figure in Major League Baseball. In addition, Turner and Seager are renowned for their batting average and consistency to hit the ball, particularly at Dodger Stadium. Home form could prove crucial in the playoffs, especially if the Dodgers genuinely believe that they can challenge for the World Series.
Los Angeles have won 57 of their 81 home games this campaign and Dodger Stadium has blossomed into a real MLB fortress. The Dodgers have had to deal with plenty of hype in recent times but the general mood in Los Angeles is somewhat different this season. Having claimed five West Division titles in a row, manager Dave Roberts has built a team that is capable of competing at the top of Major League Baseball – it is their time to go all out for the showpiece prize.
When it comes to pitching, look no further than Clayton Kershaw. The 29-year-old has been outstanding this season and he has certainly earned his $215,000,000 contract. He is the ninth highest paid sportsman on the planet but Los Angeles won’t care too much if Kershaw is able to lead the Dodgers to the World Series. With 200 strikeouts, 18 wins and a 2.21 ERA, an injury to the Los Angeles star could prove detrimental to their title aspirations.
Kershaw or Scherzer for NL Cy Young? Presenting Tom Verducci's 2017 MLB awards: https://t.co/dVM7ThP3ON
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 28, 2017
The Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros are both in top form right now and Los Angeles will need plenty of luck if they are to win the big prize. Both franchises have won eight of their last 10 MLB games – a slightly better record in recent times than the Dodgers. In the grand scheme of things, the odd result doesn’t matter but building momentum is absolutely essential ahead of the grueling playoffs schedule.
MLB fans, the World Series is fast approaching and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the best team in the business for the most part of the regular season, could be involved. With a number of high-profile players in the form of their careers, Los Angeles will be expecting to compete in the latter stages of the playoffs at least. Watch this space, the Dodgers could be right in the mix in the coming months.
