2018 MLB SHOWDOWN SET -- LA DODGERS

Finally, the most expensive team from the 2018 set is finished: the NL Champion Los Angeles Dodgers! Simply put, this team is absolutely loaded.  Somehow the Dodgers only won 92 games and needed game 163 to win the NL West, and (as much as I love the Brewers) needed 7 games to take out the Brew Crew.  Even though the 2017 squad won over 100 games, I think this Showdown version is an improvement thanks to their incredibly deep and flexible lineup.  However, the starting pitching and especially the bullpen took a step back, but when you've got this many incredible hitters, it's easy to just say "the pitching will be fine."

Once again, there's a Bourbon over Baseball analyzing this Showdown squad: iTunes Link (episode 09)

Lineup: The Dodgers lineup is STACKED, and its incredibly deep.  There were so many dudes that needed cards on this squad that the Dodgers ended up with 13 players in the 2018 set. Shockingly, 11 of those players are at least 250 points -- an incredible display of depth! In the starting lineup, there's a bunch of power from Bellinger, Machado, and Muncy, as well as extremely productive and steady hitting from Turner, at the top of the lineup.  Grandal's really solid year has been overshadowed by his postseason struggles, but he put up a very decent card, especially for a catcher!  The 6 thru 8 spots are filled with potent OB 7 cards, a luxury shared by no other teams in this set.  And off the bench comes a very good David Freese, another weapon of an OB 7 in Matt Kemp, and Joc Pederson (aka the guy to insert into a lineup against a Control 2 or lower constantly because WOW that chart).  If Dozier had reached his 2017 numbers, this team would've been an unfair cheat code.  As it stands, it's still the best lineup in the 2018 set.

Bench

Rotation:  The Dodgers, per usual, ended up with a bunch of starting pitchers.  Between injuries and their impressive depth, they ended up with SIX Starting pitchers making the 2018 set.  Obviously they're led by the Tier 2 Kershaw, who puts up another incredible season and earns a coveted Control 6.  Walker Buehler is a stellar #2 starter, bringing a tier 3 with a great chart to the team.  After that, Alex Wood is a dangerous tier 3 with his low Control 2.  Rounding out the main four is Rich Hill, who's also rocking with a low control with his tier 4 card.  The Dodgers also have a pair of IP 4 starters (who will be in the bullpen for my season simulation), nothing too special there.

UPDATE: Walker Buehler has been corrected -- he's a Tier 2 with Control 4, not 3. Mathematical error unfortunately was the cause of his card being wrong... but now enjoy CORRECT Walker Buehler, a bonafide ace to go with Kershaw!

Bullpen: The big weakness of this squad! No one who's a clear lockdown pitcher, although Jansen is going to be drafted in every league.  Yes, he surrenders a HR, but with that Control 6 with 1-15 out for a mere 120 points, he's a stud for a third/fourth reliever.  Unfortunately, Baez is rough, and Alexander has a Control 1.  For 90 points, he may get rostered thanks to cost and his no singles, doubles, or homer chart.