Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs: NLDS Preview

As we prepare for the start of the first ever playoff series between the L.A. Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, two numbers jump out and demand attention. They are the numbers 50 and 100.

50 is the number of years the Dodger franchise has been residing in Los Angeles. The team that was the Brooklyn Bums had one World Championship to its credit, in 1955, after years of frustration.

In Los Angeles, they have been transformed into Hollywood’s team. They have brought five World Championships to Los Angeles and have qualified for the playoffs 11 times since divisional play began.

100 is the number of years that have passed since the Cubs have won a World Championship. From 1906 through 1908, the Cubs were in the World Series, winning the last two. However, from 1910 through 1945, Chicago’s North Side team appeared in and lost seven times.

After taking a 30-year break from postseason play, the Cubs have qualified five times, losing five of six series and have not advanced to the World Series since 1945.

Chicagoans would have the baseball world believe there are no such things as curses. 100 years of evidence is hard to overlook. As the National League team with the most wins in this season, there is pressure to live up to what they have already done.

The season-long soap opera as to the disposition should have no bearing on what happens on the field, but you never can tell for sure.

Will this three-monster strike down the Cubs again? Will Joe Torre’s Dodgers find a new way to define pain for Chicago? These questions should be answered over the five-game series on the field. But when the Cubs are involved, anything is possible. Here is a brief look at the various matchups in this series.

Catcher: Cubs Soto vs. Martin

In his rookie season, Soto has shown an excellent bat and fine defensive skills. He may be the key to the effectiveness of the Cubs' offense this series. Martin was last year's version of Soto, with fewer homers, but a much better strikeout-to-walk ratio. Many feel Martin has been overused the last two seasons, which has resulted in less production late in the year.

First Base: Cubs Lee vs. Dodgers Loney

While a good power hitter and quality fielder, Lee has not been productive in the playoffs, even as a member of the Marlins team that beat the Cubs in 2003.
Loney is a high-average hitter with power numbers that need to mature. This will be his first playoff experience in the majors, but like all the young Dodgers, he has tasted the minor-league version of the postseason.

Second Base: Cubs DeRosa vs. Dodgers Kent

DeRosa has hit for a good average while doubling his home-run production from last year, a fielding whiz who can play all over the field.

Kent’s a warhorse, looking for his last grasp of the golden ring. More homers than any second baseman, Jeff has suffered from injuries the last few years which have diminished his range.

Shortstop: Cubs Theriot vs. Dodgers ???

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