Dodgers News: Sports Illustrated Picks Los Angeles as 2017 Champions
The pick is in for Sports Illustrated. The Dodgers will win the 2017 World Series.
SI says L.A. tops Cleveland to finally end its title-less streak.
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/844224633834536960
The explanation credits the team’s depth, saying even if things go poorly, there’s enough talent to cover for it.
“In 2016, they set an all-time MLB record for players sent to the disabled list, with 28 … This season they’re even deeper, expecting a full season from Rich Hill and more innings from maturing ace-in-waiting Julio Urías, with plenty of capable fill-ins for the back of the rotation. Manager Dave Roberts has brought a calm, upbeat energy and helped soothe a once-testy clubhouse, and runaway 2016 Rookie of the Year winner Corey Seager is the highlight of a stacked lineup. Then, of course, there’s the $236 million payroll, which certainly doesn’t hurt.”
L.A. is becoming an increasingly popular pick. Repeat champions are rare, so the “hangover” angle for the Cubs is possible. Chicago and Los Angeles are a step ahead of the rest of the National League depth-wise.
While the Dodgers fell short a year ago, it wasn’t the same vibe as the previous shortcomings. The franchise fought back from almost everything going wrong to come within two games of a pennant. Roberts injected a newfound energy into the franchise, and his presence made a difference in retaining free agents Kenley Jansen, Chase Utley and Justin Turner.
If you value chemistry for a championship pick, the Dodgers are a good bet. They’re returning an almost identical group from last year, adding three-time champ Sergio Romo and clubhouse favorite Logan Forsythe as well.
Predictions are ultimately meaningless, but there’s little doubt the Dodgers will be in the thick of things come October.
The Dodgers’ depth will be the difference