With the MLB playoffs approaching, FOX MLB’s lead video game expert John Smoltz gone over with MLB author Rowan Kavner who he believes is the very best group in baseball today.

“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 informed Kavner. 

The Phillies led the National League for the very first half of the season. Philadelphia stays at the top of the NL East, leading the Braves by 7 video games. This season, the group set a franchise record with 8 NL All-Star choices.

Although the Phillies are peaking this season, Smotlz still believes the Dodgers have a strong adequate lineup to be a World Series competitor. However, the group requires to overcome probably their most glaring weak points this season. 

“So do the Dodgers,” Smotlz stated. “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 actually sidelined several Dodgers beginning pitchers throughout the season. The lack of NL All-Star Tyler Glasnow and previous Rookie of the Year frontrunner Yoshinobu Yamamoto has actually been harmful to the rotation. Additionally, three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw had a hard time given that making his go back to the mound, and is now sidelined with a bone spur.

According to the Dodgers; depth chart, Los Angeles just has 4 healthy beginning pitchers. Half of the rotation – Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler – have Ages over 5.00 this season.

In addition to the Dodgers and Phillies, Smotlz consisted of a 3rd, unforeseen choice for the very best group 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 stated 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 6 video games and rank 3rd total in the league. Houston’s lineup boasts 3 AL All-Stars, consisting of Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Kyle Tucker. 

The dispute over the very best group in baseball will last permanently. But, the race for the World Series title is looking additional difficult this season.

The Dodgers get in Wednesday’s video game versus the Angels with the very best record in baseball, at 84-55. The Phillies are 83-56.

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-U.S.A. TODAY Sports

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