Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
While expected to be a major underdog, the Dodgers steamrolled over a Cubs team that appeared shellshocked thoughout their entire NLDS series to continue their impressive run since Manny Ramirez's arrival. Philadelphia also made short work of their opponent, pounding Milwaukee in four games in a series that was never in doubt. It sets up a matchup of two teams that have not had much in the way of postseason success in recent memory. It's been over 20 years since the Dodgers have won a postseason series, winning the World Series in 1988. The Phillies last had a playoff series win in 1993 when they beat Atlanta to go to thw World Series, which they lost to Joe Carter's Toronto Blue Jays. The Phillies last won the World Series in 1980.
Offense
Manny Ramirez has the best postseason batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage among the starters of either squad and as a team the Dodgers scored more runs than every other LDS team not called the Rays. Their .250 batting average as a team is not impressive, but it's right on par with the Phillies, who have gotten very little out of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. The top of the lineup has been the catalyst for both the Phillies and the Dodgers. Leadoff man Jimmy Rollins along with Shane Victorino and Jason Werth, who have split duties in the No. 2 hole, have combined to hit .348 with 12 extra base hits. Rafael Furcal has been a nice surprise for the Dodgers. He played just four games in September after coming off the disabled list and hit .222 in that time, but has torn things up this postseason with a .333 average and a .467 OBP. Russell Martin has been a nice compliment in the two spot, batting .308 with five RBIs. Both teams would love to get more out of the middle of their lineups, Manny Ramirez excluded, and whichever team can do that will have a distinct advantage in the series. James Loney did come up with a big grand slam, but hadn't done much of anything before or after that.
Pitching
Statistically, the Dodgers and the Phillies have been the two best pitching staffs in these playoffs. Philadelphia starters Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton had an impressive 1.90 ERA. Meanwhile the Dodgers's trio of Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda one-upped them with a 1.42 ERA. The X-factor remains the bullpen and most specifically the closer. There are doubts about Takashi Saito and those doubts have led to him losing his spot. He wasn't needed in any save situations against the Cubs and gave up two runs without recording an out the 10-3 win in the second game of the series. There are still concerns about his health and Jonathan Broxton will take over the closer's role. Broxton is extremely talented, but has very limited closing experience and an 8.10 ERA against the Phillies this season. Phillies closer Brad Lidge still hasn't blown a save this year.
Defense
Despite errors by Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, the Phillies remain a very good defensive team up the middle. Pedro Feliz and Ryan Howard can be an adventure on the corners at times, but haven't hurt the team yet. The outfield is solid, though Pat Burrell is not exactly known for his fielding. The Dodgers have a very solid infield that got a lot better with the return of Rafael Furcal. Blake DeWitt has made a very nice transition to second base and Los Angeles has more than serviceable options at first and third in James Loney and Casey Blake. Manny Ramirez is always going to be an outfield liability, but Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier are very good defenders, both with double digit assist totals. Russell Martin is a gold glove catcher.
Prediction
Dodgers in seven. There's just no way to deny that this Dodgers team has figured out how to win. The pitching was always there, but the offense just needed a boost. Manny Ramirez has provided that to the point that L.A. was second in the league in team batting average the second half of the season. Against a team that puts the bat on the ball more the Dodgers' pitchers might be a harder sell, but with four players with over 100 strikeouts and a lineup that averages almost seven strikeouts a game, the Phillies are not an ideal team to go against the Dodgers. Talentwise, the Phillies have an edge, especially in terms of pitching. But when looking at matchups and strengths versus weaknesses, the Dodgers just seem to match up better here.
Christopher Maza - Chris Maza is a sports writer based out of the Greater Springfield area in Massachusetts. He has been published in several publications in ...
