Dodgers Series Preview

Billingsley vs Francis - While the Rockies may no longer be a realistic postseason contender, there are still a few things I would like to see as we close out this season.  One of those is consistent, strong performances by Jeff Francis.  I will feel much better about next year knowing that his early season struggles this year were mainly do to shoulder issues and that it is something we don’t really need to worry about anymore.  A good game against the likely NL West Champion Dodgers would go a long way to prove that point.  Billingsley is certainly no pushover and is going to be a very good pitcher for many years to come, but my money is on Francis in this one.  With essentially nothing left to lose, look for the Rockies to play as if a weight has been lifted off of their collective shoulders as they have fun out there trying to play spoiler. Rockies win.

Kershaw vs DLR - When the DLR is under control, he has some pretty nasty stuff and can put his team in a position to win.  When young Clayton Kershaw is locating his pitches, he can make hitters look silly.  It’s more likely that the DLR is on target than Kershaw at this point, but my gut is telling me Kershaw will take this one. Dodgers win.

Maddux vs Cook - Old Man Flabby finds himself in the familiar situation of trying to help his team get into the playoffs.  I expect this to bring out the best of what he’s got left.  He’ll be tough, but only for about 6 innings before Joe Torre has to go to the bullpen.  Oddly enough, the Cookie Monster is going up against a guy that looks like he can eat many more cookies than he can.  Cook hasn’t faced the Dodgers since June 4th, quite a long time for a division rival.  He dominated that game, but he was dominating most games at that point.  He hasn’t looked quite the same recently as he did back then.  I think he’ll pitch well enough to keep the Rockies in the game, but for the first time this season I think I have to go against Cook on this one.  I hate to do it and I hope I’m wrong, but I’m feeling the Dodgers in this one.