NLPS Preview: Louisville vs. Los Angeles

National League Rankings:

2nd - Offense - 6th
11th - Pitching - 3rd
8th - Defense - 12th

Preview: The Los Angeles Dodgers had the NL West Division (and a home playoff series) in hand until the Oklahoma City Kingfishers stole it away on the season's final day. But they mustn't keep their heads down long, because a spunky Louisville Sluggers team is ready to square off with them.

Because the Sluggers won their division with a paltry 84 wins, a lot of analsysts have discredited the job of GM bdixon this year, who really overcame an inordinate amount of injuries to lead his team to a division crown. But can an 84-win team make an impact in the postseason? To do so, their talented offense will have to get the best of a Dodgers' pitching staff that is rock solid. If momentum means anything, these Dodgers will have to find some in a hurry after a late-season collapse.

Offensive Analysis: There isn't really any one player that can beat you by himself in the Slugger lineup except for LF Daryl Van Hekken (.302, 39, 130). On the other hand, there aren't very many easy outs, either. The entire lineup is versatile and pesky. Looking at their hitters it's pretty easy to miss the fact that they were 2nd in the National League in runs scored. The Dogers are anchored by their own LF Mandy Chace (.343, 40, 125), who shook off a down season a year ago and is now an NL MVP frontrunner. The other corner outfielder for the Dodgers, RF Donald Fujiwara (.290, 22, 84) is a solid hitter as well. It's immediately clear, though, that both teams were born and bred in the National League, where pitching is king.

Pitching Analysis: And when it comes to pitching, few do it better than the Los Angeles Dodgers. SP Colby Cunningham (18-7, 3.46) took the ball more than any other Dodger starter this season, but SP Andre Hubbard (12-5, 2.40) put up better numbers. The bullpen situation in LA has been a bit hectic, but they are solid at the back with CP Juan Camacho (1-0, 3.03) who converted 23 of his 27 save opportunities. The Louisville Sluggers are hoping they can survive deep into the playoffs, as SP Hamish Harvey could return from early season elbow surgery to pitch. Without him, though, the Sluggers' starting five is a bit of an adventure. SP Julian Roskos (13-9, 3.22) and SP Ron Moran (6-10, 4.65) were both imported midseason to add depth, but the Sluggers still lack an ace. Louisville also has no defined closer, so their bullpen is a roller coaster ride as well.

Prediction: Good pitching is the name of the game in the postseason, and without Harvey, the Sluggers are going to be hard-pressed to outpitch the Dodgers. To stand any chance, the Sluggers must hit for a high average with runners in scoring position and be sure to close the door if ever they get a lead. Still, LA is the superior team, and likely rolls through to the NLDS with ease.

Los Angeles Dodgers in 4