Phillies-Dodgers: NLCS Preview

Ramirez will present some issues to the entire Phillies' pitching staff, which will try to limit the times that Ramirez will come to bat with men on base.

Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer potentially could have some success against this Dodgers' lineup, once again utilizing their off-speed pitches to throw off and frustrate the young Dodgers. They will run into potential problems with Manny Ramirez, especially with men on base.

We will also have a chance to see whether the start from Joe Blanton was just a fluke, or whether he has found a groove.

The Dodgers also will have the benefit of Rafael Furcal hitting atop their lineup, which as a whole, catalyzes the rest of the offense. Furcal is hitting .333 for the series, with four hits in the final two games against the Cubs.

Part of the reason Furcal is so valuable to the Dodgers is his running game on the base paths.

In that same sense, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino are both extremely valuable to the Phillies for their speed on base. While they were not utilized in the Milwaukee series, which is mainly a testament to Jason Kendall, the Brewers' catcher, I would look for them to be more active on the bases against Russell Martin.

Martin has caught just 25 percent of the would-be thieves on the bases.  So, expect to see manager Charlie Manuel send speedsters Rollins and Victorino more often, especially since Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are hitting below .100.

The keys to the series for the Dodgers will be:

1. Rafael Furcal must get on base in front of the youngsters and Manny
2. The rest of the offense must continue to score to put pressure on the Phillies
3. The Dodgers' bullpen must continue to be solid

The Phillies' keys are:

1. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino must get on base
2. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley need to hit
3. The starting pitchers must continue to pitch well to support the slumping offense

The Dodgers have the edge in postseason experience, with Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe, and Greg Maddux all with an abundance of playoff games under their belt. The Dodgers also have the edge in momentum. Their offense has been red-hot lately and they just beat the best team in the NL—the Cubs.

The Phillies have better speed at the top of their lineup, and it seems like Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are both due to burst out of their postseason funk. The Phils also have the benefit of a better overall bullpen, including Mr. Perfection Brad Lidge, at the back end.

Ultimately it will come down to which teams' offense has more success off of the others' pitching staff.

In that case, I think that the Phillies have more threats in their lineup than the Dodgers do, even though the Dodgers are coming in sizzling.

Prediction: Phillies in six.

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