Dodgers better equiped for NLCS rematch

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Tonight marks game 1 of the National League Championship Series, and brings us a rematch from last season. Last year, the Phillies easily took care of the Dodgers in 5 games on their way to a World Series title. The 2009 NLCS should have a much better feel for the Dodgers than last year. Why is that you ask? Well, let me run through my reasons:

1. The Dodgers are simply a better offensive team this year than last. I know Manny Ramirez has struggled, except for game three of the division series, but the lineup is has more balance, and is not nearly as dependent on Manny. Andre Ethier has been clutch all season, and continued that with a solid performance against the Cardinals in the division series.

2. The Dodgers starting rotation. The front end of this rotation is better suited to go against the left handed heavy Phillies lineup. Clayton Kershaw and Randy Wolf will start games 1 & 2 to go against the likes of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez.

3. Cliff Lee will be making his first start in this series in game 3. As you'll see in my prediction at the end of this article, Cliff Lee will only pitch once in this series. Just that alone is a huge boost for the Dodgers.

4. The Dodgers bullpen. I'll take Hong-Chih Kuo, George Sherrill & Jonathon Broxton over anyone the Phillies can put up against them. the lefty duo of Kuo & Sherrill go back to my argument the starting rotation is better suited to handling to big, left handed bats of the Phillies.

Now don't get me wrong. The Phillies are still a very good baseball team. In fact, I think their lineup and rotation is better this season than last. I just think the Dodgers are a much improved team over last year as well. They have good enough pitching, solid defense up the middle, and have had timely hitting all season.

My prediction: Dodgers over Phillies in 6 games

Finally! The Dodgers get the job done

Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Maybe I just predicted the Dodgers would win last night because I am a Dodgers fan. Maybe I predicted they would win last night because Joe Torre is their manager and is a proven winner. You know what, it doesn't matter because the Dodgers finally wrapped up the NL West Division as they beat the Colorado Rockies 5-0 on Saturday night. That wasn't the only thing they clinched last night. They also clinched the best record in the National League to secure home field advantage throughout the NL portion of the playoffs. For Joe Torre this is the 14th straight year he's lead a team to the playoffs.

The man who should get most of the credit from last night is Clayton Kershaw. The 21 year old phenom was fantastic. While he didn't earn a decision, he did pitch 6 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 10 strikeouts. It's hard to imagine he's only 21 and posted an 8-8 record with a 2.79 ERA this season. Torre will be relying heavily on the young lefthander as they enter the playoffs. It looks like Randy Wolf will take the mound for game 1 and be backed up by Kershaw in game 2. After that, Joe Torre has yet to decide who the 3rd and 4th starters will be. He will have to pick from All Star Chad Billingsley, (my best bet for the 3rd spot), Jon Garland and Vincente Padilla. If I was making the decisions, I'd go with Billingsley and Garland hands down.

How will the recent offensive struggles affect the Dodgers in the playoffs? One has to be a little worried that Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, James Loney, Russel Martin and Orlando Hudson have all hit under .200 the last week of the regular season. One could also say they all went into a slump at the same time, and the time off before the playoffs will refresh and refocus the lineup. My guess is the latter will hold true. This lineup is too good, and too deep to not break out of the team wide slump.

You can wait for my prediction later this week!

Will the Dodgers blow the NL West?

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Despite clinching a playoff spot last Sunday, the Dodgers still can't wrap up the NL West title. They have lost 5 in a row, and now have a one game lead over the Rockies with two games to play directly against them. Obviously, they only need to win one of the final two games to clinch the NL West title for the 2nd consecutive year, but will they do it?

Not only have they lost 5 in a row, but they are 3-7 over their last 10. In that time they have been outscored 49-44. It certainly doesn't help that Manny Ramirez has been ice cold the past week. He's hitting only .167 (2 for 12) with 1 RBI and a paltry 3 total bases. His struggles came to a head last night as he struck out 4 times. The Dodgers have an uphill battle tonight as they face off against the 16-9 Jorge De La Rosa. Clayton Kershaw will be pitching for the Dodgers as he tries to get back on track for the post season. If they can't take care of business tonight, tomorrow's match up isn't much better. The struggling Vincente Padilla will take on Jason Marquis.

It's unbelievable to think the Dodgers still have the best record in the National League at this point. My prediction is the Dodgers win tonight and wrap up the NL West. Jorge De La Rosa is a career 0-5 against the Dodgers with a 7.12 ERA. Most of those losses did come at home as he is only 0-1 at Dodgers Stadium with a 2.20 ERA. Still, I think the Dodgers will finally get a sense of urgency tonight. There is no way they want to go into the last regular season game with the division crown on the line, especially since they held a 15 1/2 game lead on the Rockies earlier this season.

Now all they need to do is play the game

Matt Kemp, helping to lead Dodgers to the playoffs

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

If you haven't noticed, Matt Kemp has emerged as a budding superstar this season. Who is Matt Kemp? He's the bursting with talent center fielder for the Dodgers. After hitting a three run homer in last nights game, he's currently hitting .306 with 26 home runs, 100 RBI, 96 runs and 34 stolen bases. Not bad for a kid who turned 25 just two days ago, and is still learning to play the game of baseball. Not only are his numbers amazing, if he can keep his average about .300 he will become the first Dodger to ever hit .300, with 25 homers and 100+ RBI. While that is amazing, throw in the fact he's also stolen 30+ bases and should reach the 100 runs plateau. He's also done it all over the lineup. He's hit in every slot in the lineup except 3rd this season.

In my opinion, one of the best things to happen to Dodgers team was missing Manny Ramirez for 50 games. Yes, I know that sounds very odd, but it forced young stars like Kemp, and Andre Ethier to step up and take a leadership role on and off the field. Don't get me wrong, the Dodgers are a better team, and lineup, with Manny. Both Kemp and Ethier have been good run producers for the past two seasons, but have been very inconsistent going into this season. Both are young players and have matured greatly during the 2009 campaign.

If you look how young Kemp is and how much more he has to learn about the game, what he can, and most likely will, do in his career could be staggering. I think it's time people start to talk about him as one of the premier center fielders in the game.

Now he just needs to do it this Fall!

Dodgers bolster roster for playoff run

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The not-so-triumphant return of Jim Ingram is here! Just kidding. Last night, the LA Dodgers further helped their chances for a deep playoff run by picking up Jim Thome and Jon Garland at the waiver deadline. Neither player is a superstar, but both will fill a need the Dodgers have had for some time.

Jim Thome, who will not be put into service at first base, will provide the power bat off the bench they sorely need for the stretch run and the playoffs. Juan Pierre has been fantastic this season, Mark Loretta has been solid, but neither player offers serious pop off the bench. According to reports, Ned Colletti said he expects Joe Torre to be used like Matt Stairs was, and is, for the Phillies.

Jon Garland, in a rare move between division rivals, comes over from the Arizona Diamondbacks and will be inserted directly into the rotation. While he's not have a good season, 8-11 4.29 ERA, he has pitched pretty well since the All Star break. What he does provide is stability. He's a very durable pitcher who should keep his team in the game. My guess is he has a very good stretch here while pitching in the pitcher friendly Dodger Stadium.

As a diehard Dodgers fan, I love these moves. It doesn't look like Colletti gave up much for either player, and it provides depth and adds two more veteran presences to a team littered with young stars. Garland should take over the 4th slot in the rotation and push Vincente Padilla to 5th. I don't expect much from Kuroda the rest of the season, but if he can return at all that would be gravy to me.

Are you on Manny's side?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Manny Ramirez is a cheater, but he's still a big draw.

Is that a bad thing?

Granted, getting suspended from Major League Baseball for 50 games for violating the drug policy doesn't help his image --not that that hasn't been wrecked over the years with his lack of hustle, needing days off, faking injuries, etc. -- but there's no arguing that he's one hell of a hitter. 

That's what he is, he's a freak --just like Randy Moss catching touchdowns -- with a bat in his hand.

It's not my problem if you forgive him for all that's he's done with tarnishing his image, but that baseball talent that he has still makes us want to watch.

He can homer at any time, in any count, in a game, plus you get the added bonus of what will Manny do next? Will he hustle out a ground ball? Will he loaf it in the outfield? Will he even show up at the ballpark? It's the great mystery of Manny Being Manny.

Now, even though he's suspended from the Dodgers and isn't eligible to be reinstated until July 3, fans are flocking to the ticket booths in Albuquerque, N.M., in hopes of seeing Manny suit up and play in some minor league games to get ready for his return to the Dodgers.

Those fans probably don't agree with Manny's choices which got him suspended in the first place, but they obviously want to see the talented Manny on the field. 

There's no doubt that Manny can put on a show when he's got his uniform and spikes on and digs into the batter's box.

He's got the star power that makes people want to watch him.

Is he good for the game? That's debatable (post your comments, I'd like to hear what you think!), but he's a box office draw.

There's a reason the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes' tickets for this week's series versus Nashville --where Manny may be suiting up to shake off some of the rust from serving a hefty suspension --are selling faster than hot cakes.

Yes, he's cheated the game, but he doesn't ever get cheated in the batter's box.

What's more important to the fans --being a clean ballplayer or hammering a homer to win a game?

You make the call!

To win the NL West, Dodgers don't need Manny

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Dodgers lost 4 out of their first 5 games after the suspension of Manny Ramirez. The team looked lost, and it looked as if the Mannyless Dodger's were going to go in the tank. Thanks in part to Joe Torre, and the resurgent Juan Pierre, this young Dodgers team was able to quickly turn things around and maintain the best record in the Major Leagues. Since that original 5 game stretch, the Los Angeles Dodgers are 12-4 giving them a 13-8 overall record without Manny Ramirez.

You might think a 13-8 record is not great, but that 12-4 stretch is. How have they been doing it without Manny? Well, offense for one. They've outscored their opponents 90-62, and have averaged 5.6 runs per game. That is fantastic for a team that's been offensively challenged for a few years prior to the Manny trade. Most experts, and baseball fans in general, expected the Dodgers to struggle scoring runs during Manny's absence. That has not happened so far, but they are scoring those runs much differently. Instead of Manny's home runs, the rest of the team is chipping in. They're running more and putting pressure on the opposing teams' defense.

Juan Pierre is hitting .397 with a .463 OPB on the season, and has been a revelation at bat and on the base paths. He already has 10 stolen bases and 25 runs scored in only 121 at bats. Orlando Hudson, now entrenched in the 3rd spot in the lineup, has been tremendous all year hitting .333 and is 3rd on the team with 30 RBI. With the exception of Pierre, Casey Blake has taken advantage the most of Manny's 50 game suspension. He's 2nd on the team with 33 RBI. He's had 18 RBI in the 18 games without Manny Ramirez. Not bad huh? You want a young player who's stepped up? Let's talk about James Loney. He leads the team with 36 RBI, 15 of them since Manny's 50 game departure. He's now batting .298 which is 20 points higher since Manny's last game. All this and Matt Kemp has been struggling of late, and Russ Martin has struggled all year. Watch out if they get hot!

Enough offense, let's talk pitching. They still have depth problems in the starting rotation, but Chad Billingsley has taken the role of staff ace to heart. Bills was the tough luck loser today, and is now 6-3 with a 2.80 ERA and 76 strike outs in 74 innings pitched. Randy Wolf has been far better than most thought as well. He is only 3-1, with 7 no decisions, but has a 2.84 ERA. Clayton Kershaw has been somewhat inconsistent, but always shows flashes of brilliance. He is the staff ace of the future. He's only 3-3, but has won 3 of his last 4. They've had good contributions from Jeff Weaver, 2-1 3.63, Eric Stults, 4-1 4.29, and even Eric Milton "pitched" in with a great start last time out allowing only 1 run in 5 innings. What's helped the most is the dominant bullpen. Jonathon Broxton has been fantastic converting 11 of 13 save chances so far. He has a 1.50 ERA and 37 strike outs in only 24 innings. Ramon Troncoso and Ronald Bellesario have been great as the main set up men this year. Troncoso even has 3 saves. Personally, I think the Dodgers need to make a move for a better lefty specialist than Will Ohman and add another quality starting pitcher at the deadline, but have a pretty good staff for the National League.

To be a legitimate contender you need a combination of good pitching, good defense and timely hitting. That is what the Dodgers have been doing without Manny. They are solid defensively up the middle with Martin, Furcal Hudson and Kemp. They've had pitchers performing above and beyond and they've had timely hitting from Hudson, Pierre, Blake and Loney. They haven't hit a ton of home runs, but you don't need power to win in the National League. Now the playoffs and The World Series are another matter. I never said they don't need Manny to win it all!

I hate the San Francisco Giants!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I'm sure you already know this, but I am a die hard Dodgers fan.  Yes, I know that is an oxymoron. The one thing in baseball that makes me happiest is to see the Dodgers take down the hated San Francisco Giants.  That is exactly what they did this week as they easily swept the 3 game series in Los Angeles.  The scores were 11-1, 5-4 and 7-2 in favor of the Dodger blue.  

The first two games were highlighted by stellar starts from Chad Billingsly and Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw has certainly looked the part of a young phenom so far this season.  The young lefty pitched 7 innings, letting up only 1 earned run on 1 hit (a solo home run by Benji Molina) while striking out a career high 13 batters and walking only 1.  Definitely a dominating performance, but one that should be tempered by the lineup he was facing. The previous day, Billingsly "pitched" in with a 7 inning, 1 run performance with 11 strikeouts.  

The Dodgers did luck out by not having to face Tim Lincecum, even though he's struggling, but did rough up Randy Johson and Barry Zito.  Do you think Zito will even earn a dollar of that big contract?  The Giants have now lost 6 in a row to start the season witha 2-7 record.  Ha!  Yes, I know it's early, but I was the one who picked the Giants as a surprise National League team.  I have no problem being wrong or looking like a petty fan.  My hatred for the Giants rival any Red Sox or Yankees fans.  I have grown up with that East Coast fanaticisim.  Well, I wanted to revel in the early season struggles of the Giants for a little while and take this open forum for all the see.

Have a great weekend!