NLCS Preview

This is the first time the Dodgers and Phils have met in the playoffs since 1983. They Phillies may have the better regular season match up, but that doesn't mean there going to win this series. The Dodgers pitching shut down the leagues best offense, but unfortunately for them they may be facing the NL's second best lineup. Also keep in mind the Cubs could not hit right handed pitching at, the Phillies wont have the same stuggles with Howard and Utley. Another thing the Phillies can do is run. Jimmy Rollins had 47 sb and Shane Victorino had 36, also Jayson Werth was able to swipe 20 bags. The hitter that I'm gonna being watching from the Phillies is Chase Utley. Utley came out of the gates on fire hitting 25 hrs, and hit .291, after the All-Star break Utley hit just 8 hrs. Utley and Howard both struggled against the Brewers hitting just .154, if the Phillies are going to win this series they need to get production from their top two hitters.

The Dodgers aren't the leagues most patience team, but at times against the Cubs they looked like there bats were glued to their shoulders. In game 1 it may not be the best stratagey to be patience with Cole Hamels, because if they get behind in counts they are in trouble. Once the Dodgers get by Hamles though things look promising. The Phillies other three starters can all get into trouble when there behind in the count, and all rely on the hitters getting themselves out. The Dodgers are going to need to get production from other hitters such as James Loney and Andre Either, becasue we all know that Jerry Maunel is planning on giving Manny Ramirez the Barry Bonds treatment. Manny looks like a new guy in LA playing hard and bringing a fresh new vibe to that locker room. Something to keep an eye on is the Dodgers starting pitching. We know the Phillies have the best pitcher in the series in Cole Hamles, but overall the Dodgers have the better post-season rotation. Lowe loves the big moments and it is a contract year, we know what that means, also the last time Lowe lost in the postseason was 2003 since then hes 4-0 with a 2.93 era. Chad Billingsly is one of the most underratted pitchers in baseball, and showed that in the NLDS. Hiroki Kuroda versus the Phils this year has dominated them. In two games he is 1-0 with a 1.38 era.

In the end I dont think I know who is going to win this series, the Dodgers. I picked the Dodgers at the beginning of the playoffs to reach the World Series and im sticking with that pick. The Dodgers are an improved Rockies team from last season, they have cought lighting in a bottle. The MVP of this series is not going to be Manny simply because the Phillies will not throw to him. So my MVP of the series is the guy who is fully healthy now and changes the whole game, Rafael Furcal. Furcal played 36 and had 8 sb and hit 357. Furcal will get on base, and by doing so will change the way the Phillies approach each game. I like the Dodgers in 7 and if they get by Philly it would set up an extremely interesting matchup back in Fenway.