NLCS Preview

The NLCS will begin tomorrow in Los Angeles. The Phillies beat the Dodgers in the NLCS last year in 5 games but this year the Dodgers have the homefield. Clayton Kershaw will start game 1, the Phillies have not announced their rotation yet but it will probably be Cole Hammels. The Phillies may choose to break up the lefties and that would open up a shot for Joe Blanton to pitch game 2 with the Cliff Lee in game 3 and maybe Pedro Martinez in game 4 otherwise they would throw J.A. Happ. I think the Dodgers have more depth in their rotation and a better bullpen, the Phillies weakness is their bullpen at least in the backend although they think they may have straightened Brad Lidge out. It remains to be seen as the stakes are even higher now. The Phillies have the clear advantage in the lineup and with their power but the Dodgers lineup isn't terrible especially if Manny Ramirez continues to hit like he did in Game 3. I think the Dodgers will win this series in 6 and set up a Yankees/Dodgers World Series which would be one for the ages. I do think the Phillies would be a better team if they had a closer so it is possible that Brad Lidge steps up and then I could see the Phillies winning this series but right now I wouldn't trust him or anyone else who may close for them. It looks like Joe Torre will be retiring after this year so this may be the best chance for him to return to NY and face his former employer and the team that made him what he is. The Dodgers will be starting Kershaw in GAme 1 who is the 2nd youngest starter for them in postseason history and they have a long history. Cole Hammels doesn't seem to be the same pitcher as he was last year but he is looking to rebound in the NLCS.