World Series MVP Yamamoto has Dodgers looking prime for a three-peat?!
Let this be a reminder of just how hard it is to beat the Dodgers.
World Series MVP Yamamoto has Dodgers looking prime for a three-peat?! originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
It doesn't feel that long ago since the Los Angeles Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays in a seven-game series in which they were down by one run heading into the ninth inning. With the stacked roster, Los Angeles was eventually able to pull out the victory, and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was named the MVP after a stellar performance in the series with a 3-0 record, 15 strikeouts, and an ERA of only 1. 02, and came in relief in the seventh game.
Now the Dodgers head into the season looking to become the first team to win three straight World Series championships since the New York Yankees did so from 1998-2000, and with the way Yamamoto dominated during his spring training appearances, I wouldn't call you crazy for believing the Dodgers will do so. More: Tommy Edman-less Dodgers predicted to make $12. 5 million Opening Day decision The World Series MVP hasn't missed a beat On Friday, the second-year major leaguer struck out the side of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning during his final spring training start, finishing with seven strikeouts on only 68 pitches on a five-inning outing.
Yamamoto finished the spring with 13. 03 K/9, and combined with their other Japanese pitcher and slugger, Shohei Ohtani , along with a top-notch overall bullpen and batting lineup that includes multiple potential first ballot Hall of Famers, which also added a gold glove winner, multi-time silver slugger and all-star, and World Series champion in Kyle Tucker who will be expected to fit right in with the winning culture the Dodgers have bulit. Every team knew coming into the season it was going to be difficult to knock off the two-time defending champions, but with the elite pitching that comes from Yamamoto and a batting lineup where nearly everyone is a home-run threat, who knows if any team takes down the Dodgers, especially if they remain healthy.