C'mon Bros

With all this jibber jabber about our inconsistent and unreliable rotation, the media is failing to address the real concern for the Dodgers if we hope to make a playoff run: our hitting. Sure on paper we look like an offensive juggernaut--highest batting avg. in the majors, most runs in the National Leage-- but Ethier has just one hit in his last 27 at bats, Manny is hitting like boy-band Manny, and the Dogs have averaged around 3 runs facing Washington, Pittsburgh and San Diego scrubs. 

Let's face it, come playoff time the season statistics and records really don't matter. It comes down to who's the hottest team. Last year the Phillies entered the playoffs after an 11-3 stretch. In 2007, the Rockies cruised to the World Series riding their 20 something game regular season winning streak. It's because of this that  we see Wild Card teams go on a "miraculous" runs to the world series (Tampa Bay Rays, Rockies, Florida Marlins, 2004 Red Sox). These teams are generally fighting to get into the playoffs up to the last game of the season and are on top of their game when they finally get there. 

Furthermore and henceforth, in order for the Dodgers to make a run deep into October we really need Ethier, Manny and crew to pick up their game BEFORE we get to the playoffs. Torre should not rest these guys. Get our starters--specifically Ethier, Manny and Russ--as many at-bats as possible. Our pitching staff, Billingsly included, has been kicking ass as of late and I would bet my bottom dollar they'll be excellent in the playoffs. Our offense will be the difference between a first round ousting or a run to the series. 

Jason, Jason, Jason

Hello friends, it's been a while.

I just came across this article by Jason Stark. To summarize it briefly, Stark ranks potential postseason rotations from best to worst, one through nine. Ahead of the Dodgers are: the Red Sox, Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees, Angels, Tigers and Rockies. I understand putting the Sox, Cards, and even the and Yankees ahead of us, but this is downright ignaaaant.

The Dogs have had the best ERA in the bigs virtually all year, and their starters have the best combined ERA of any of these nine teams. Homie should stop worrying about the order, and start considering the rotation as a whole. Personally, I would feel more comfortable pitching Billingsly (who Stark doesn't even have etched in the rotation) in a must win over Joel Pinero, Scott Kazmir, Rick Porcello, Joe Blanton and Jason Marquis--all players who Stark has at the 3 for teams ranked above the Dodgers. Give me any of our 5--I'm assuming Garland will be in the pen despite his playoff experience-- over Nate Robertson, Pedro, Ervin Santana, Chad Gaudin, or Kyle Lohse.

Our rotation's potentially scary, and even if Bills and Kershaw don't regain their first-half form, we have very good starters waiting in the pen. Garland has a 1.91 ERA since joining the Dogs, and a 2.25 career playoff ERA, Padilla hasn't lost as a dodger, has gone 5+ innings in every start and knows the Phillies after playing for them from 2001-2005, and Billingsly is an all-star innings eater who, when on his game, is a top 10 pitcher in the bigs. Pretty solid "fall backs" if you ask me.

Personally, I think we'll wind up with a four man rotation of Wolf, Kershaw, Kuroda, and Bills. Having all these arms will only help. When the Phils throw Cliff Lee at us on 3-days rest we'll counter with a fully rested Wolf or Kershaw. The more quality arms the better as far as I'm concerned.

Look for Bills to bring his A-game tonight at San Diego. If his A-game isn't good enough for the W, then maybe he's not ready for the playoff rotation.

Kobe Sits in the Unlimited Nachos Seats

Stud

30 home runs
98 RBI
6 walk-off hits
5 games up in the division