Analyst Labels Phillies as Biggest Threats to Dodgers

The Philadelphia Phillies (32-12 entering Friday) possess the second-best overall record in MLB, just behind the Detroit Tigers. They even have a better record than the Dodgers, who many experts believe would repeat as World Series champs.

Ryan Dempster, co-host of the podcast Intentional Talk, was asked if the Phillies were the biggest threats to the Dodgers in the NL.

“I’m going to say yeah because of the rotations, just because of their starting rotation. Aaron Nola has even had a good run so far this year, he’s really had struggles. Zack Wheeler, we all know this guy is a Bonafide ace. What they were able to get Jesus Luzardo for, Ranger Suarez, Christoper Sanchez; like they are so deep....When you look at this offense and their ability to put up crooked numbers and that pitching rotation, I’d say yeah, I’d say they’re as deep as any team. The depth in their rotation to me is what puts them in the upper epsilon and true contenders against the Dodgers.”

It doesn’t help that the Phillies have lost one of their top closing pitchers, Jose Alvarado, who was suspended for 80 days and not allowed to play in the postseason. The front office will likely find his replacement in the rotation sooner rather than later.