NLDS Game One: Dodgers perspective

In seven hours from now, the Los Angeles Dodgers will begin their quest to reach their first World Series since 1988. They will also look to move a step beyond last year’s National League Championship Series appearance; and anything less will be a disappointment.

Last year, the Chicago Cubs were primed to be upset in the first round, and the Dodgers were playing good baseball at the right time. This time around, the Dodgers are not playing great baseball and they are facing a foe in the first round that they would rather not see.

The St. Louis Cardinals are a team built for the post-season, with two top of the line starters, a good closer and an absolute beast in the middle of the order.

The Cardinals also have ownership on the Dodgers, winning five of seven from them this year and in this decade they are just 23-42 against them. They have won just 11 of the last 39 games against them, and in St. Louis it is much worse. They are 4-16 there since 2003.

So have I illustrated the fact that the Dodgers have their hands full.

The Dodgers limped down the homestretch, going 2-8 before the final two games of the season that saw them lock up the NL West and home field advantage; something that was a given for much of the season.

I feel like the writing is on the wall, but the playoffs are a brand new season. We are often surprised at how teams can turn it on when the time comes.

Here are my thoughts on game one of this series.

Keys to the game: The Dodgers must score first. They need to put Carpenter behind the eight ball right away and they need to give Randy Wolf the confidence of pitching with a lead. Los Angeles has outscored opponents 121-54 in the first inning and win over 75 percent of the time when they score first.

Randy Wolf delivering more than just a quality start is key, but the most important Dodger pitcher will be Jonathan Broxton. He blew a save in St. Louis, so he needs to erase that memory, which he probably has. He’s pitching well right now, so he needs to keep it going. He is also maybe the only pitcher in the universe with a  little ownership on Albert Pujols. The slugger is just 1-for-10 against him.

Speaking of Pujols, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know when I say that he cannot be allowed to beat you. The Dodgers have to take their chances with guys like Matt Holliday and Ryan Ludwick. Unless those guys are wearing you out, you just stay the hell away from Albert.

The key guy in the Dodgers lineup is Andre Ethier. Teams aren’t afraid of Manny Ramirez anymore, and when the Dodgers are slumping, Ethier is slumping. He really is the engine for that offense and for them to win, it’s nearly imperative that he is squaring up the ball.

Game one is vital for this Dodger team. St. Louis is a place they rarely, rarely win and with 19-game winner Adam Wainwright going in game two, the Dodgers will not be in good shape heading into game two.

There will be more to talk about after tonight’s game, as well as a preview of game two, later on.