At Home Plate - NLCS Preview - Phillies vs. Dodgers

At Home Plate

Written by Zach Greenberg (Contact & Archive) on October 09, 2008

The Dodgers improbable upset of the Cubs came largely from an array of pitching. Heck, their top pitchers, Lowe, Billengsley and Kuroda combined for a 1.14 era. In all, the Dodgers gave up just six runs to the Cubs. Six. That is against top guns like Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Geovany Soto.

However, one key component will come into play in their battle with the Philadelphia Phillies. Notice how the three Cubbies I mentioned are all right-handed hitters? No doubt, this factor made it easier on the Dodgers aces, being that they are right-handed themselves.

However, the Phillies have a more diverse lineup. Utley, Howard and Rollins are all left-handed bats (Rollins is switch, but more natural from the left). This definitely proposes a challenge for the Dodgers. How will they react to the sudden lefty power bats? Will lefty phenom Clayton Kershaw get a start due to the Phillies lineup? All these questions will eventually be answered. More importantly, who will advance to the World Series? How will the Phillies match up against the Dodgers from LA?

Match Ups:
First Base- Ryan Howard or James Loney? No doubt, Loney proved his worth by basically setting the tone and winning Game 1 for the Dodgers. And while Howard struggled against the Brewers, he will have a lot of chances against right-handed pitchers. Howard gets the edge against the young Loney.
Edge- Phillies

Second Base- Word is Dodgers are getting Kent back for the series. However, Blake Dewitt has played exceptionally well in his absence. His counterpart Chase Utley has not endured the same success. Utley looks confused up at the plate, posting subpar numbers so far in the postseason. While I believe Chase will return to form, I have to recognize Dewitt and Kent. Dodgers get the edge here.
Edge- Dodgers

Shortstop- The Dodgers are a different team with Rafael Furcal at the leadoff spot. So, too, a healthy and an excited Jimmy Rollins propels the Phils. Both are the table setters for their respective teams. However, I expect J-Roll to come through.
Edge- Phillies

Third Base- Casey Blake vs. Pedro Feliz? Boring. However, against the Dodgers pitching, Greg Dobbs figures to get more starts. In all, I will take Blake over Feliz.
Edge- Dodgers

Catcher- Russell Martin has proven he can hit and play solid defense. What has Carlos Ruiz done to solidify himself as a starting catcher? You tell me. Dodgers take this matchup in a landslide.
Edge- Dodgers

Outfield- Manny, Ethier and Kemp have driven this Dodger offense. Werth, Burrell and Victorino have been solid, but Manny is Manny, and he does great things. Kemp and Ethier are budding stars who are waiting to explode. Dodgers
Edge- Dodgers

Starting Rotation- While the Dodgers top 3 pitched exceptionally well against the Cubs, they will be facing more lefties this time around. Expect the Phils to break out against the rotation. I like a trio of Hamels, Myers and Moyer. They get the nod.
Edge- Phillies

Closer- Brad Lidge is still perfect. Saito struggled in his only postseason appearance. Broxton figures to shoulder load. I think Lidge edges out Broxton.
Edge- Phillies

In all, I expect this series to produce much excitement. I think home-field will play a huge role in the Phillies success.

The Call: Phillies in 7

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