[SCUDSBROTHER]

Dodgers starting pitchers will start getting tight again. With them, it's all about whether they think the other team's offense will make plays. If they think the other team isn't making many clutch plays, then the Dodger starters can get pretty comfortable. The Phillies display a great deal of confidence, and the Dodger starters can't handle that well at all. They are much too concerned with the current state of mind of the other team's offense. So, the key to this team is to play teams with good pitching, and struggling offenses (Giants, Padres, and lately Arizona.) They love that lil situation. Look what happened when they had to face a team who's offense was warm at the time. I mean why do you think Kershaw just couldn't pitch well on May 4th? Short rest? Maybe, but Milwaukee's offense came in very hot, and it bothered him. Stats don't matter as much with this bunch. They don't want any part of facing a confident hitting team. The state of mind of the opposing team's hitters is the primary factor involved. They'd much rather face Dempster n' Zambrano (in their prime) than have to get out Rollins, Victorino, Utley, and Howard. That's why you saw them do well in the Divisional Series, and struggle in the LCS. They lay down against a top offense. Both Chicago n' St. Louis were struggling offensively. Dodger team loves that situation. Same reason they went 3 n' out in the Divisional Series in 2004, and 2006 (have no shot against those hi-octane offenses that come into the post with confidence.) Both those teams (Cards in 2004, and Mets in '06) got stopped by pitching staffs that were mentally tough. Same thing happened last year (the mentally tough Pettite set a stable tone, and wasn't bothered by the haughty Phils demeanor.)