Finally, the frustrated Dodgers get back into the life blood of major league baseball with a series win over the Chicago Cubs. It is the NLPS and that venue begins Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Phillies lost out last season to the red hot Rockies faltering badly in sweep mode! Now the red and white garner a chance of redemption versus the Blue who have not been in this time space since 1988. The Dodgers came on late in the season behind fine pitching and the bat of "Big Time Manny" to surprise their NL brethren. But, can they advance against a club, Philadelphia who has the better pen and starting lineup?
I'll start by issuing a warning to the Dodgers and their faithful. I just went to the mail box, and has luck would have it, the Manny Machine is on the cover with that sparkling blue and white uniform sliding into the home plate area. The Sports Illustrated jinx, you bet! Just check who and what the cover of SI glorified last week and you'll catch the mindset. Hey, believe me veteran RHP Lowe will be a challenge in game one, especially against lefty Hamels who has problems with pitches up, before his emotions settle down. This season, and too often, Hamels has allowed "left side" bats to take the youngster yard! He has a tendency when a little jacked up to go high and inside versus quality bats. Hamels does have a super 0.95 WHIP over his last three outings, so it will interesting following the kid on Thursday. Charlies Manual will drop the pitch count, because of the importance of the billing. Tough call, but can profit on Thursday, by checking my game #1 analysis on the Playbook. Good Luck!
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