Los Angeles Dodgers v Philadelphia Phillies: NLCS Preview

Here's a guest post I did for my friend Justin's blog, 310 to Joba, http://310tojoba.blogspot.com

Set to arrive on Thursday is the NLCS matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. After easily taking care of their respectful NL Central opponents in the NLDS, both teams will be well rested and seem to be on the top of their game. The season series between the two teams, which is wash at 4-4, suggests that the matchup is close and that, rightfully so, it will be decided by a few key factors.
Los Angeles Dodgers

Who to Watch:

Manny Ramirez: Man Ram, who has become a cult figure since joining the Dodgers, was practically bionic going 5 for 10 with 2 HR, 3 RBI, and 5 R in the NLDS vs. the Cubs. Even more astonishingly, he was seen running hard around the bases. When Manny’s on and he’s happy he can really produce. His presence in the lineup also helps players like Russell Martin (4 for 13, 3 2b, HR) see better pitches.

Rafael Furcal: Furcal, after being hurt in early May, has returned in a big way. The leadoff hitter and speedy shortstop went 4 for 12 in the NLDS and his presence has added more depth to the Dodger lineup. If he can keep it up in the NLCS, the Dodgers will have a decent lineup from top to bottom.

The Key to a Dodger Victory: Pitching
Dodger pitching is some of the best in the NL and they definitely have the leg up on the Phillies in that department. The staff was lights out against the Cubs allowing only 6 runs in 3 games. Derek Lowe, the game 1 starter, has playoff experience and pitched well in the NLDS. Following Lowe will be Chad Billingsley, one of the best young pitchers in the game, and Hiroki Kuroda. However, Wade and Broxton appeared in all 3 games for the Dodgers in the NLDS, something that won’t be possible in a longer NLCS series. Also lingering, is whether or not Hong-Chih Kuo will be available to pitch. If not, Torre will most likely have to go with just a 3 man rotation. Good starting pitching performances and distribution of outs from the bullpen will be a big factor.

Obligatory Storyline
Obviously the story with the Dodgers is the return of former Yankee manager Joe Torre to the playoffs while his former team hits the golf course. Paired with the fact that former Yankee-killer Manny Ramirez is also in the clubhouse, the Torre-Story will dominate this series as Joe hopes to add to his already record holding postseason wins total.


The Philadelphia Phillies

Who to Watch:

Cole Hamels: Hamels, the Phillies best pitcher, will start Game 1 for the Fightins’ opposite Derek Lowe. Hamels, who went 8 strong with 9 strikeouts in his performance in the NLDS against the Cubs, is a key to this series, especially if its extended. Hamels’ “out pitch” is his changeup and if he’s throwing it well the Dodgers are going to have a lot of trouble. It remained to be seen if Hamels can establish himself as a postseason pitcher.

Pat Burrell: Pat the Bat, the epitome of a love-hate relationship, is in his final year with the Phillies and is looking to erase some bad memories. A former first round pick, Burrell has frustrated Phillies fans with his perpetual lack of production and sometimes lazy and lethargic play. After going hitless in the first 3 games of the NLDS, Burrell broke out with 2 HR in the Phillies’ decisive Game 4 victory. Perhaps Pat the Bat can win over some more Phillies’ hearts with a big performance against the Dodgers.

The Key to a Phillies Victory: Hitting
The Phillies have been praised for having one of the most dangerous lineups in the league. Consisting of the bats of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell, the lineup can be scary. However, the team seems to hit in noticeable streaks. During the season, there were periods where the bats went dead and against Milwaukee in the NLDS the Phillies hit 5 for 31 with RISP. The bats, absent for the first 3 games, came alive in the final game but raise doubts about whether the lumber will present or not for the NLCS. It is also interesting to note that for the past two postseasons (2008 and 2007) Ryan Howard and Chase Utley have been dismal. Howard has hit .217 with 1 HR and 2 RBI while Utley has struggled greatly hitting .154 with 2 RBI. It’s hard to see how this lineup will even hover near “dangerous” if those guys aren’t hitting.

Obligatory Storyline
Not much here except for the fact that a Philadelphia team is still in the hunt for a championship. The Phillies have immerged as a power in the NL and winning the pennant would cement that. Also, the subtle storyline about Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel and his friendship with soon-to-be-free agent Manny Ramirez will surely be mentioned.

Prediction: Dodgers in 6