Introduction
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America, contested since 1903 between the American League (AL) champion team and the National League (NL) champion team. Each league is made up of 15 teams, with five teams from each division making the playoffs. The winner of the World Series is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner’s Trophy.
This year’s World Series features two teams from the National League: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves. This will be the first time since 1996 that the Braves have made it to the World Series, while the Dodgers have been to the World Series six times since then, most recently in 2018.
Closer Look at Players on Each Team
The Dodgers are led by 2019 National League Most Valuable Player Cody Bellinger. He is joined by Mookie Betts, who has won four Gold Glove Awards as well as the 2018 American League Most Valuable Player Award. Other key players include Corey Seager, Justin Turner, and Max Muncy. All five of these players were selected to the All-Star Game this season.
The Braves are led by former AL MVP Freddie Freeman. He is joined by Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Marcell Ozuna, and Dansby Swanson. All five of these players were also selected to the All-Star Game this season.
The Dodgers have a team batting average of .266, while the Braves have a team batting average of .254. On the pitching side, the Dodgers have a team ERA of 3.37, while the Braves have a team ERA of 3.59.
Comparison of Rosters and Performance
Both teams have strong lineups and deep benches. The Dodgers have the edge in terms of overall hitting, with a higher team batting average and more home runs. The Braves, however, have the edge when it comes to pitching, with a better team ERA and more strikeouts.
When it comes to defense, the Dodgers have the edge, with three Gold Glove winners in their lineup. The Braves also have three Gold Glove winners in their lineup, but the Dodgers have the advantage in terms of overall defensive efficiency.
Profile of Managers Leading Each Team
The Dodgers are led by Dave Roberts, who has been the team’s manager since 2016. He was previously a coach for the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Roberts is known for his aggressive style of managing, often employing strategies such as bunting, stealing bases, and pinch-hitting.
The Braves are led by Brian Snitker, who has been the team’s manager since 2017. He was previously a coach for the Braves from 1985 to 2013. Snitker is known for his conservative approach to managing, often relying on his team’s defense and pitching to win games.
Breakdown of Strategies Used by Each Team
The Dodgers rely heavily on their offense to win games. They employ an aggressive approach to hitting, often attempting to hit for extra bases or draw walks. They also use a variety of strategies on the basepaths, including stealing bases and taking extra bases on hits. On defense, they rely on their Gold Glove-winning players to make plays and limit the damage.
The Braves employ a more conservative approach to hitting, often looking to get base hits and move runners over. They also emphasize situational hitting and small ball strategies, such as bunting and hit-and-run plays. On defense, they rely on their pitchers to keep the ball in the park and limit opposing hitters.
Recap of Previous World Series Matches Involving These Teams
The last time the Dodgers and Braves faced off in the World Series was in 1996, when the Braves defeated the Dodgers 4-2. In that series, the Braves relied on their strong pitching staff, which included future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux and John Smoltz. The Dodgers, meanwhile, were led by NL MVP Mike Piazza and pitcher Hideo Nomo.
In the 2018 World Series, the Dodgers lost to the Boston Red Sox in a sweep. The Red Sox relied heavily on their offense, which was led by AL MVP Mookie Betts. The Dodgers, meanwhile, were led by NL MVP Clayton Kershaw and rookie sensation Cody Bellinger.
Conclusion
The 2020 World Series promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with strong lineups, deep benches, and experienced managers. Both teams have plenty of offensive firepower and excellent defenses, as well as a wealth of experience in the postseason. Ultimately, the outcome of the series will likely come down to which team can execute their strategies better and capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes.
The Dodgers and Braves have faced off in the World Series before, and the Braves emerged victorious. However, the Dodgers have improved significantly since then and have the edge in terms of overall talent. With both teams evenly matched, it should be a thrilling series to watch. The winner will be the team that can execute their strategies better and take advantage of their opponent’s mistakes.
