2017 National League Wild Card Game Preview
After a crazy game last night on the American League side, tonight the National League will have it’s chance to shine as two great teams, the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, will square off in another win or go home scenario. This game could very well be a very memorable one. Lets take a look at the teams.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies had a great start to the season, but struggled there for a bit which put them in a position that almost took them out of the playoff picture. However, here they are in the playoffs with a chance making some noise. Here is the lineup:
1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, RF
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Trevor Story, SS
6. Gerardo Parra, LF
7. Mark Reynolds, 1B
8. Jonathan Lucroy, C
9. Jon Gray, P
Blackmon was moved to the leadoff spot and is arguably the most valuable player of the National League. LeMahieu is one of the best second basemen in the game. Gonzalez is not quite as electrifying as he once was, but he is still an outstanding player. Arenado is one of the players in the game and one of the best fielders too. Story came out last season and had a great year, but was hampered with injuries. His bat is very lethal though. Parra is a great hitter despite very little power and an outstanding fielder. Reynolds was once a home run or bust type hitter, but finally learned how to hit for average as well. Lucroy is one of the best catchers in the game. Gray is a young up and coming pitcher who had a great year, but the Rockies will need him to be at his best tonight.
Bench
C Ryan Hanigan
C Tony Wolters
IF Alexi Amarista
IF Chris Valaika
OF Ian Desmond
OF Raimel Tapia
OF Mike Tauchman
Hanigan is a solid defensive catcher while Wolters is a young up and coming prospect. Amarista and Valaika will be used in defensive situations. Tapia and Tauchmann are young prospects that will get a chance to shine if given. Desmond was signed to be the every day first baseman, but struggled this season. However, he will be valuable off the bench.
Bullpen
Tyler Anderson
Carlos Estevez
Chris Rusin
Adam Ottavino
Mike Dunn
Greg Holland
Jake McGee
Pat Neshek
Scott Oberg
Antonio Senzatela
Looking at this bullpen, all I really have to say is this a great bullpen and having Senzatela as a long reliever will be crucial. This will be a tall order to beat.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks were a huge shock this year after having a bad season in 2016. They also had a historic run winning over 10 games in a row and showed that they might even be the best team in the National League. Lets take a look at their lineup for tonight:
1. David Peralta, LF
2. Ketel Marte, SS
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. J.D. Martinez, RF
5. Jake Lamb, 3B
6. A.J. Pollock, CF
7. Daniel Descalso, 2B
8. Jeff Mathis, C
9. Zack Greinke, P
Peralta is an unconventional leadoff hitter, but is a power hitter. Marte is solid player who is still developing into a productive shortstop. Goldschmidt is one of the best power hitters in baseball and is backed up by Martinez who had a break out year hitting over 40 home runs. Lamb is a great young player who is also very underrated. Pollock is also a star player who is a five tool player. Descalso is a very underrated player, but is also very clutch. Mathis is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball. Greinke is one of the top pitchers in baseball, but he also has a good bat.
Bench
C Chris Herrmann
C Chris Iannetta
IF Brandon Drury
IF Adam Rosales
OF Gregor Blanco
OF Rey Fuentes
OF Kris Negron
Herrmann and Iannetta round out the backup catcher position as one is experienced and the other one is an up and coming prospect. Drury usually starts at second base, but will be a top player to go to off the bench. Rosales is a top player off the bench who has speed and brings a lot of energy. Blanco is a great defensive player who will be used in a late game situation if the team is ahead. Fuentes and Negron are underrated bench players.
Bullpen
Archie Bradley
Andrew Chafin
Patrick Corbin
Jorge De La Rosa
Zack Godley
David Hernandez
Robbie Ray
Fernando Rodney
Jimmie Sherfy
Not only do the Rockies have a solid bullpen, but the Diamondbacks do too. Plus they have three starters in the bullpen which will be crucial for them.
This should be an outstanding game, but without a doubt, the Diamondbacks are clearly a better team. The Rockies relied too much on their offense to mask some of their rotation problems and that will undoubtedly hurt them in this game. The Diamondbacks are more balanced and their pitching staff is very good. The Diamondbacks should win this.
Prediction: Diamondbacks
