Blake Snell understands the task ahead of him Monday night.
The left-handed ace takes the ball in Game 1 of the NLCS for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the No. 1 seed Milwaukee Brewers. Considering what we saw from Milwaukee’s fan base in the NLDS versus the Chicago Cubs, the atmosphere at American Family Field should be electric.
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On Sunday. Snell talked about how special it is to represent this franchise compared to the other postseason trips he has been a part of.
“I mean, we haven’t been defeated yet [the Brewers]. So that’s good motivation, if you need it. But no, I just think we play good team baseball. We’re all in it. The chemistry between us is very strong, and the will to win every game is also strong,” said Snell.
“I’ve been on postseason teams where it was different. But in terms of energy and chemistry, this is probably the best thing I’ve been a part of. I’m really excited about what we can do.”
The team’s vibes are a big reason why the Dodgers continue to produce playoff appearance after playoff appearance.
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Certainly, the top talent in the rotation and at the top of the rankings is as good as one will find in the sport. However, it is the unknown players who bring leadership, grit and consistency that make this group truly special and more than a top-heavy entity.
For example, little-known Ben Rortvedt has endeared himself so much with his pitch-calling skills, framing and energy that he has taken over the role of primary backup catcher from former first-round pick Dalton Rushing. Tommy Edman, Kiké Hernandez and Miguel Rojas are all versatile veteran players with a lot of experience and absolutely no ego.
Then there’s Max Muncy: the unsung hero of this team, both on and off the field. From a leadership perspective, few have as much respect within the clubhouse as the burly third baseman.
Finally, Clayton Kershaw is the epitome of an unselfish player. Considering he’s a future Hall of Famer, and one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball history, he’s swallowed any sense of ego in favor of a bulk reliever used primarily in blowouts. He does everything he can to help the team as best he can.
With examples like this being shown by the most respected player on the roster, it’s not surprising to hear Snell echo sentiments about the special culture in Los Angeles.
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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