The hype machine has already begun for a possible L.A.-Boston World Series matchup. Manny Ramirez vs. the team that traded him. Joe Torre vs. his old nemesis. Those are indeed some juicy side plots. I’m only half convinced though.
The Dodgers look fantastic, and I’m taking them to cruise through Philly. The defending champs, however, are going to have their hands full. Hopefully, too full.
Los Angeles made quick work out of the team that was favored to win it all, the Chicago Cubs who looked lost, but that had everything to do with the Dodgers’ play. Congrats to anyone who took the Dodgers for the series at +185. And congrats with a big man-hug to anyone who took them to sweep at +1230. Buy me a drink.
The Dodgers certainly made a believer out of me. I remember writing about this team’s offensive ineptitude earlier in the year. They were just painful to watch. Obviously everyone is up to speed on what Manny has done for them. The man-child has been nothing short of amazing in pushing them to the next level. They now have another MVP-type player back: Rafael Furcal.
Fear not...
...Franky G is here!
...Franky G is here!
When this season began, Furcal was this team’s best player. In 32 games, he was batting .366 with five homers and 35 runs scored. Then he went down with a bulging disc in his back that required surgery. This cost him 125 games this year. He had to be talked into returning by his coaches. If I were the Dodgers manager, I would’ve had Franky G from Saw II fill in for him, and nobody would’ve known any better.
The real Furcal made it back just in time for these playoffs. His hitting, speed and fielding will be huge against the Phillies. While he may not play at the levels he did pre-injury, just his presence means a lot to this team. Pitcher Derek Lowe has praised his high energy and vocal leadership as a key, even comparing him to his old teammate Johnny Damon during their championship run. Furcal is the X-factor that is capable of making the difference in this series.
Furcal doesn’t make headlines or ratings. Manny does, so let’s talk about Manny. In 53 games for L.A. the enigmatic superstar hit .396 with 17 HR, 53 RBI, a .489 OBP and .743 SLG. More importantly, Manny gives them an aura. There may not be a more likeable “troubled” player in sports. He brings a childlike aloofness to the table. He also brings the attitude of a winner. In 10 of his 15 seasons, Manny has sniffed the postseason. When you are wagering against his team, you immediately pray his name isn’t coming up in the bottom of the ninth. Manny being Manny isn’t always about being silly. Manny being Manny is oftentimes about putting your team in the W column. Manny is good.
Another player to keep an eye on is right fielder Andre Ethier. His slow postseason start is not indicative of the solid season he put together. His regular season .305 AVG and 20 HR should start to pick up again. He’s also a member of my “Current Postseason Guys I’d Like to Hangout with for the Trickle-down Effect” Team. Joining Ethier are the Rays’ Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena, and Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury. It’s unfortunate that Cleveland isn’t still around, because I’d like to see Grady Sizemore join this roster for sure. Grady’s Ladies….Come on down!
Bread wants to party
with you Grady!
with you Grady!
As for the starting pitching, once again, I’m leaning towards the Dodgers. Derek Lowe (3.24 ERA), Chad Billingsley (3.14 ERA) and Hiroki Kuroda (3.73 ERA) completely shut down the Cubs’ bats in the LDS. The Phillies counter with Chad Hamels (3.09 ERA), Brett Myers (4.55 ERA), Jamie Moyer (3.71 ERA) and Joe Blanton (4.20 ERA). That sounds more like a law firm that I would hire than a pitching staff. Blanton, Hamels, Myers & Moyer. I’m not impressed.
On offense, Philadelphia has leadoff hitter extraordinaire Jimmy Rollins. I love him. He is one of my favorite players. The big gun, Ryan Howard, is extremely overrated, even as far as sluggers go. His 48 HR and 146 RBI sound great, but in comparison with his .251 AVG and 199 K’s in 610 AB, it translates to an all or nothing philosophy. We all saw how well that worked out for the White Sox recently.
Then there is Chase Utley. When I think of Chase Utley, I think of him getting booed at Yankee Stadium during this year’s Home Run Derby Contest, and him saying “F$*K You” to the entire stadium. That earns brownie points, but not victories.
I will be on the Dodgers at +100 for the series win. Just for grits and wiggles, I’m also going to take them for another sweep as soon as TheGreek puts their numbers up.
