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Dodgers vs. Cardinals: NLDS Preview

By Ayron Beavers

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Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season finale win over the Colorado Rockies in front of a near capacity, raucous crowd, Tommy Lasorda, on his 87th birthday,  gave Dodgers fans the most encouraging motivation heading into the post season. “I think we’re going to get to the Fall Classic,” Lasorda said, “and then the Big Dodger in the sky can take me away!”

Of course, we look forward to many years to come from our beloved Lasorda so he can finally see the Dodgers in the Fall Classic again, but that being said, Dodgers fans everywhere are anticipating seeing the Dodgers to win their first World Series since 1988 THIS year. In the way, however, is a familiar foe that thwarted last year’s incredible run–the St.Louis Cardinals.

This year’s rematch with the Cardinals is different from last year’s series, however. Matt Kemp is on a tear, instead of being sidelined with an injury, and is leading the NL in home runs since the All-Star break. Hanley Ramirez is also healthy and not playing through extreme pain as he was last year after getting beaned in the ribs by a Joe Kelly fastball in Game 1. Despite injuries to the pitching staff, the Dodgers have been able to maintain momentum and click at the right moments to apply their high powered offense down the final stretch of the regular season. The last 15 games, the Dodgers have averaged nearly 8 runs per game. So, it’s safe to say the offense is back just when it matters most.

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    • Further promising news for the Dodgers is the potential return of

    Hyun-Jin Ryu

    , who has been dealing with shoulder discomfort since mid-September. Ryu pitched a simulated game yesterday and Mattingly announced today that he expects Ryu to start Game 3 of the NLDS. Ryu also threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session before the season finale versus the Colorado Rockies without much issue. “Everything worked pretty well,” Ryu said through his interpreter. “It was a very positive result.” In case Ryu suffers any setbacks, the Dodgers still hope to be able to rely on

    Dan Haren

    ,

    Roberto Hernandez

    (to the dismay of many assuming he makes the postseason roster), or if all else fails,

    Clayton Kershaw

    on short rest if need be. Other promising news is that speedster

    Dee Gordon

    definitely will be ready to go for game one of the NLDS after feeling hip discomfort. Gordon, leader in the majors in stolen bases, triples, and infield hits, will be a huge asset of course for the Dodgers lineup.

    Despite the fact that the Cardinals have been one of the most dominant National League teams in recent history, the Dodgers still bring perhaps the best match-up to dethrone the defending NL champions. The Dodgers won the season matchup between the two teams 4-3. Additionally, the Cardinals have yet to score more than 4 runs against the Dodgers, who outscored St. Louis a combined 25-14 in 7 games against each other.

    The Dodgers are in a better position this post-season with healthier players who can contribute to their high-powered offense. While pitching may still be a concern due to health-related woes and the inconsistent bullpen, the Dodgers have managed to keep their composure and rally with what they have. Now that the first goal is complete, the Dodgers must begin the tough road of proving that they are a World Series team.

    “I think we’re going to get to the Fall Classic, and then the Big Dodger in the sky can take me away!”-Tommy Lasorda

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