The Dodgers sure had us fooled. Not many people expected the club to
get past the Cards. Los Angeles’ second-half coast (31-28 since July
31) lulled bettors to sleep. How could you be impressed with that type
of ho-hum record when division rival Colorado was tearing it up?
But then Joe Torre’s team went out and swept St. Louis, beating up Cy
Young favorites Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright in the process.
For their second act, the Dodgers will try to earn a spot in the World Series and gain some revenge in the process.
When Los Angeles met Philadelphia in the NLCS last season, Philly had
the home field advantage and the more potent lineup. This time around
the Dodgers offense won’t be as reliant on slugging outfielder Manny
Ramirez.
The West Coasters’ kiddies are all grown up. The development of Andre
Either and Matt Kemp gives Los Angeles a batting order that’s dangerous
top to bottom.
Expect the Dodgers to get to struggling Philly starter Cole Hamels
early and the Phils to return the favor against 21-year-old lefty,
Clayton Kershaw.
Pick: Over