I know that the Dodgers clinching the National League west, at this point, is merely academic.
It's going to happen very soon. At some point this season, the Dodgers will win at least once or the Rockies will lose at least once.
That certainly is not the problem.
The problem is the Dodgers and their utter lack of taking care of business in a proper and timely fashion.
With home field advantage on the line, the Dodgers have floundered again and after winning 10 of 13, they have lost four of six at the expense of the lowly Nationals and Pirates.
Two of those four games were heartbreaking losses, and winning those would have wrapped up the West already, and they would be just one win away from clinching home field.
But as it stands, they have left the door open for the Phillies and/or Cardinals to catch them for the NL's best record.
The one thing the Dodgers can't do this post-season, is play a series at Philadelphia or especially at St. Louis. Neither are great places for them.
Now, the Dodgers are two up in the loss column on both Philly and St. Louis, and having beat the Phillies four of the seven times, they would own the tie breaker so they are essentially three games up on them.
The Cards beat the Dodgers five of the seven times, meaning they have the tie breaker. The Dodgers are essentially only a game up on St. Louis in the loss column, for all intents and purposes.
Winning in St. Louis in the NLCS for the Dodgers would be, dare I say, nearly impossible. It's time they stop floundering right before the post-season is set to begin and pull things together. They play the Padres for a pair tonight, and they are very important games. Winning their final two road games would boost confidence and on top of that it would give them a little breathing room heading into the weekend. Being at least two up on Philadelphia and St. Louis with three games to play would make me feel more comfortable.
Also, even if the Dodgers do have the West and pretty much have home field wrapped up when the Rockies come to down for the final three days, there is still much to play for.
The Braves are charging hard in the NL Wild Card, and if the Dodgers can knock the Rockies out of the playoffs, then LA doesn't have to play a division winner in the first round.
If the Rockies get in, the Dodgers obviously can't play the Wild Card in the first round. If the Braves get in, the Dodgers avoid the Phillies and Cardinals for round one and they let those two teams beat on each other.
I know the Braves are playing well and have solid pitching, but I would much rather play them in the first round than the Phillies or the Cardinals.
Let's just hope tonight brings an NL West title and a step closer to home field, and then whatever happens simply happens when the playoffs roll around.
I think they'll be okay as far as home field advantage and they'll play a little bit better these last five games. It is still pretty discouraging to see them limping right now into the playoffs after they appeared to get going again.
this team sucks...
I'm back w/ my new Mrs. Lasorda for President...a testiment as to what a great women I married is that she let me plan the honeymoon to SD and went to PETCO to attempt to watch the Bums clinch! But I have failed, no clinch, in fact after watching that series I agree fully w/ maury wills...THIS TEAM SUCKS!!!! If they get past the first round I will be amazed, and pleasantly surprised, but I wont be on here telling everyone how great this team is.
There is no way the team I just saw could beat ST. Louis of Philly, these teams can beat minor league players and finish their season strong!