SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 23: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres takes batting practice before the game against the New York Mets at Petco Park on August 23, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Fox’s John Smoltz Says This Dodgers Rival Has ‘The Roster To Win It All’
With the MLB playoffs approaching, FOX MLB’s lead game analyst John Smoltz discussed with MLB writer Rowan Kavner who he thinks is the best team in baseball right now.
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“Everyone’s going to point toward the Philadelphia Phillies, and I still do. I think the Philadelphia Phillies have the roster to win it all,” Smotlz told Kavner.
The Phillies led the National League for the first half of the season. Philadelphia remains at the top of the NL East, leading the Braves by seven games. This season, the team set a franchise record with eight NL All-Star selections.
Although the Phillies are peaking this season, Smotlz still thinks the Dodgers have a strong enough roster to be a World Series contender. However, the team needs to work through arguably their most glaring weaknesses this season.
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“So do the Dodgers,” Smotlz said. “But the Dodgers have to figure out their starting rotation. If they don’t figure that out and get healthy, then they’re just as vulnerable as anybody else.”
Injuries have sidelined multiple Dodgers starting pitchers throughout the season. The absence of NL All-Star Tyler Glasnow and former Rookie of the Year frontrunner Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been detrimental to the rotation. Additionally, three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw struggled since making his return to the mound, and is now sidelined with a bone spur.
According to the Dodgers; depth chart, Los Angeles only has four healthy starting pitchers. Half of the rotation – Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler – have ERAs over 5.00 this season.
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In addition to the Dodgers and Phillies, Smotlz included a third, unexpected pick for the best team in baseball.
“[The Astros] might be best suited for the best run in the baseball tournament because they’re getting healthier. Their rotation is pretty darn good and they’re getting healthier,” Smotlz said to Kavner. “You can make an argument that Houston might be that sneaky pick that nobody would have picked as the best team right now.”
The Astros lead the American League West by six games and rank third overall in the league. Houston’s roster boasts three AL All-Stars, including Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Kyle Tucker.
The debate over the best team in baseball will last forever. But, the race for the World Series title is looking extra tough this season.
The Dodgers enter Wednesday’s game against the Angels with the best record in baseball, at 84-55. The Phillies are 83-56.
