With the final two matchups of the MLB Dream Bracket set to kick off on May 1, we take a crack at building the best lineup for each remaining team.
Utilizing a baseball strategy game called ‘Out of the Park Baseball 21’, the MLB Dream Bracket started with 32 teams and is now down to the final four. The first of the two matchups, one for each league, is set to begin simulation on May 1, 2020, at 3 PM between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.
One hour later, the National League teams, the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers commence simulation. And thus, approximately 24 hours from now, we’ll know which two teams will face off for the title of the greatest “Dream Team” in MLB.
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This week, we’ve given you a preview and prediction for both matchups. You can find the AL matchup HERE and the NL matchup HERE.
Today, we’ll take each team’s predetermined lineup and shake it up in an effort to give each team its best chance to win. Then, just for fun, we’ll adjust our predictions.
To begin, let’s take a look at…
The Best Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup
While the Dodgers are one of the greatest teams in the history of baseball, of the four organizations vying for a sport in the final round, they have the lowest cumulative WAR (1094.8).
So, in order for them to have a legitimate shot, we’re going to have to build the best possible lineup. Picking from each player’s best season, here’s what we have:
- C – Mike Piazza (1997) – 9.1 fWAR
- 1B – Pedro Guerrero (1985) – 7.8 fWAR
- 2B – Jackie Robinson (1949) – 9.6 fWAR
- 3B – Ron Cey (1975) – 6.6 fWAR
- SS – Pee Wee Reese (1949) – 6.8 fWAR
- LF – Matt Kemp (2011) – 8.3 fWAR
- CF – Duke Snider (1953) – 8.8 fWAR
- RF – Cody Bellinger (2019) – 7.8 fWAR
- DH – Gary Sheffield (2003) – 7.3 fWAR
In essence, the predetermined lineup and my lineup only differ in four areas: catching, first base, left field, and DH. To give the Dodgers the best chance against the Reds, I have substituted Piazza circa 1997 for Roy Campanella, 1985 Guerrero for Gil Hodges, I placed 2011 Kemp in left, and then removed Steve Garvey for Sheffield at DH.
Unfortunately, the following players will have to remain on the bench: Maury Wills, Shawn Green, and Andre Ethier.
In all, this Dodger lineup, made up of the best individual seasons in team history, gives L.A. a cumulative 72.1 WAR score.