The Showdown at Chavéz: Evaluating the Dodgers Going Into Game One

The Showdown at Chavéz: Evaluating the Dodgers Going into Game One

Seventy-two hours ago, the Phillies’ won game four of the NLDS in thrilling come-from-behind fashion, effectively eliminating Colorado from postseason play with a three-run barrage with two outs in the ninth. This evening, the MLB postseason will continue as four teams vie for the pennant. The Phillies and Dodgers will kick things off at sunny Chavez Ravine, and the opener promises to be an excellent one.

The storylines are well-known: The two teams have faced off in the NLCS on four occasions, including last year as Philadelphia took the series in five. The Phils propelled themselves to the pennant behind an intense offensive onslaught, as well as shut-down pitching performances from Cole Hamels, set-up man Ryan Madson, and the impenetrable Brad Lidge.

While the Dodgers are still a relatively young squad, one can expect that they learned a lot from last year’s experience. They should be better equipped to handle the mentally demanding playoff atmosphere that only becomes amplified as a team advances. Young homegrown stars like Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier made huge strides this year, and provide a significant challenge to the opposing ballclub if one decides to pitch around Manny. As these two go, so go the Dodgers. Kemp, at only 25, is quickly becoming one of baseball’s premier #2 hitters. Kemp has transformed himself into a legitimate five-tool player, hitting .297 with 26 homers to go with 101 rbis, while swiping 34 bases. Andre Ethier, a Ron Darling look-alike, became the team’s most consistent power threat throughout the regular season, ripping 31 dingers with 106 rbis, while drawing 72 base-on-balls. Ethier has also provided a flair for the dramatic with multiple walk off hits, making him the club’s “Mr. Clutch.”

The team’s pitching staff has also improved from last season. The starting staff is anchored by Clayton Kershaw, who quickly went from a young phenom to a still-young 21-year-old phenom who’s earned enough confidence from his legendary manager to start the series opener against Phillies hero Cole Hamels.

As previously mentioned, the opener gives us an intriguing matchup with two of the game’s best young lefties. Hamels has already earned a World Series MVP, and the reputation of a postseason monster at the tender age of 25. You better believe the young Kershaw hopes to emulate Hamels’ stature in the near future. Both teams have proved their resiliency during the opening round of the playoffs. The Phillies made a legendary ninth-inning comeback against Huston Street and the Rockies, putting up three runs with two outs in the ninth to shock and close “Rocktober.” Perhaps more impressive, the Dodgers defeated two of the game’s best in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, while initiating a legendary ninth inning comeback to shock the Cardinals in game two. This paved the way for a sweep of what was supposed to be the postseason’s best matchup. If Matt Holliday’s legendary gaffe in left field didn’t take place, the Cardinals would’ve indeed taken game two going back to Busch Stadium. Yet, the Dodgers took advantage of the error, and like they had done so many times in the regular season, came from behind for a crucial victory.

While the Philly lineup was the NL’s most potent throughout the regular season, they didn’t necessarily dominate the Rockies’ right-handed-heavy starting staff. The Dodgers on the other hand, jumped on perhaps the NL’s best starter in Chris Carpenter in the bottom of the first, and didn’t look back. One can argue that the Cardinal lineup is just as strong, if not stronger than the Rockies'. Yet, Wolf, Kershaw, and Weaver, along with one of the Majors’ best bullpens, limited the Cards to six runs in the three game sweep.

This may come as a surprise to many, but I like the Dodgers to hold home court in game one. While Hamels’ obviously has the postseason pedigree and experience over Kershaw, the young lefty has absolutely electric stuff: A 96-mile-per-hour fastball with a 12-6 hook. The Dodgers are playing with a lot of confidence right now, and they’re well rested as a result of the sweep. I believe there’s a chance that the Phillies may be fatigued from their demanding series against the Rockies. Hamels didn’t look particularly impressive at home against Colorado, and the Dodger lineup could eat him alive if he can’t locate, thus making his signature changeup quite hittable.

I like youth and effervescence over experience in the opener: 5-4, Dodgers.