NLCS Game 5: Last Chance Saloon for Dodger Hopes

Pick any cliche you want from that large pile, the Dodgers are at that point where another loss means the end of the season.

You can gripe about the lack of intelligence in the Dodger brain trust, especially when it comes to managing their bullpen, there is a lot of fertile ground to work with there. Pitching Coach Rick Honeycutt needs to be released after this season. A great replacement is hanging out in the bullpen wearing #36. Retaining Maddux and his bank of knowledge is equally important to keeping Manny Ramirez in Dodger Blue.

But as far as tomorrow is concerned, it doesn't really matter. They are where they are and there is no more room for error. Dodger pitchers have to shut down the Phillie bats. Dodger bats need to come through in the clutch against the Phillie pitching. There has been too little of each of these disciplines in this series.

Chad Billingsley has been the best starter this season for Los Angeles. He must step up and prove it Wednesday against Philly. Ramirez has been the pulse of the offense since his arrival. He must continue to carry the blood-flow.

Rafael Furcal must spark the top of the order and the middle of the lineup needs to cash in their opportunities. The back end of the lineup has to justify themselves when presented their chance.

The bullpen needs to be used properly and produce when called upon. Let's just say I have more confidence in them producing than the proper using given the evidence of the past week.

It doesn't matter who is on the mound for the Phillies, it doesn't matter which batter is in the box. There is no time for excuses, bad breaks, missed opportunities.

The Dodgers must execute to survive. If not, the long winter beckons.

Photo: John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn taking a pull from his trusty bottle. Don't Bogart it Duke, pass it on over.