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 ???

Theriot is a decent fielder who hit for over .300 this year and is a threat on the bases.
The Dodgers have to decide if their early season MVP, Rafael Furcal, is ready to play after being back for about a week after missing about four months. Angel Berroa, a slick fielder whose bat emerged late in the season awaits Joe Torre’s decision.

Third Base: Cubs Ramirez vs. Dodgers Blake

The Cubs' Ramirez produced another powerful season after re-signing with the team; he is a quality defender.

Blake was imported from Cleveland in the first of three late-season steps that have brought Los Angeles into  the postseason. A calming veteran presence, Blake as good power and is a fantastic defender.

Outfield: Cubs Soriano, Edmonds, Fukudome vs. Dodgers M. Ramiez, Kemp, Ethier

Soriano is the Cubs' powerful leadoff hitter, who missed a lot of time in June and July but returned with a hot August. Edmonds was picked up after a horrible start in San Diego, providing some power and defense. Fukudome, the Japanese import, has been a disappointment, producing only 10 homers and a .250 average.

Manny Ramirez is the major reason the Dodgers are in the playoffs, hitting almost .400 with 17 homers in a couple of months. His fun-loving personality gave the team an adrenaline boost that has spread throughout Los Angeles.

Kemp is growing into his five-tool-player status and should be an All-Star for many years; maturity is only thing holding him back. Ethier is similar to Kemp, a peg or two lower in raw talent, but more polished.

Cubs Starting Pitching: Dempster, Zambrano, Lilly, Harden, Marquis

The front half is as good as you could want, with a solid ERA and high strikeout capacity. After closing the last three years, Dempster has made the switch to starting with a sub-three ERA. Zambrano is a fireballer whose temper could get the better of him.

Lilly has six seasons of double-digit wins but an ERA over four. Imported from Oakland, Harden can be deadly, but he has always had injury issues. Marquis is Lilly-like, with fewer wins and a higher ERA

Dodger Starting Pitching: Lowe, Billingsley, Kuroda, Maddux, Kershaw                    

Lowe has been hot at the end of the season; taking over the title of ace for the Dodger starter. Billingsley is a fireballer that occasionally has trouble with his control. Kuroda, the third Dodger starter imported from Japan after Nomo and Ishii, has been very consistent, but unlucky with many victories blown by the bullpen. Maddux is a wily vet that may end up in the bullpen. Kershaw is the future; will youth be served?

Cub Relief Pitching: Wood, Marmol, Howry, Cotts, Samardzija, Wuertz

Wood has turned in a fantastic season as the new closer, with 34 saves. The only question is prior injuries to his arm that may reappear at any time. Marmol has been a very effective set-up man, with 114 strikeouts over 87-1/3 innings and seven saves. Samardzija has been effective in limited action.

Howry and Cotts have been hit fairly hard, while Wuertz has been mostly effective.

Dodger Relief Pitching: Saito, Broxton, Beimel, Wade, Park

Saito, who is just returning from elbow woes, has been the Dodgers' closer the last three seasons. Broxton filled in as closer but has been more effective in the set-up role. Beimel is a lefty specialist looking for redemption after missing the Dodgers' last postseason series due to an off-field injury.

Wade is a rookie that has excelled, with attitude to spare. Park returned to his original team, providing solid relief with the return of life to his fastball.

A series that could go the full five games, the Dodgers have a restructured their lineup since the last time the Cubs faced them. Both teams have excellent pitching, with the Cubs a bit better individually, but the Dodgers are better overall.

I look for Los Angeles to advance in four exciting games that will have the Chicago fans wondering if the coming century will be like the one just past.