National League Championship Series
Philadelphia Phillies (93-69) v. Los Angeles Dodgers (95-67)
The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are both better known for their hitting, but each team brings a surprisingly good mix of talent in starting pitching. The Phillies had some mystery surrounding their rotation as they entered the NLDS round and will do the same in the League Championship Series. Meanwhile, there are also questions about which starters will go for the Dodgers. It would appear that the Phillies have a slight edge between the rotations, but with both offenses featuring a lot of power, it will likely be the bullpens that play a bigger role in the game outcomes.
Potential Starters: Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw, LHP - Clayton Kershaw had a break-through season in 2009, posting the best numbers of his young career. Despite a pedestrian record, Kershaw is emerging as the ace of the Dodgers. The former first round draft pick tossed a career high 171.0 innings this season, while winning eight games. Kershaw had a great ERA and limited base runners, while not giving up many long balls at all. The 21-year old prodigy had some playoff experience last year, but will be looked to lead the Los Angeles staff this year.
Chad Billingsley, RHP - Chad Billingsley improved each of his first three seasons in the big leagues. However, in 2009, he seemed to take a step back, as he battled with an injury and moments of ineffectiveness. The 25-year old won 12 games and logged 196.1 innings. Home runs did befall Billingsley a bit and he also allowed a lot of hits. He did record nearly a strike out per inning but was not nearly as dominant as he has been in past years. Most of all, Billingsley has a poor track record in the playoffs and did not appear in the NLDS.
Randy Wolf, LHP - Randy Wolf is a crafty, veteran left-handed pitcher who has bounced around in the past few seasons. The former-Phillie had a resurgent season with the Dodgers in 2009, posting his lowest ERA since 2002. The 32-year old, in his second stint with the Dodgers, won 11 games and has been one of their most consistent starters this season. Wolf was never a strike out pitcher, but limited the damage against him by keeping runners off base. Wolf threw a career-high 214.1 innings this year, but rest should not be an issue for the soft-tosser. He had his first taste of playoff baseball in the first round of the postseason.
Vicente Padilla, RHP - Vicente Padilla is another former-Phillie pitcher who played a key role for the Dodgers in their stretch run. Since being acquired from the Texas Rangers, Padilla was a perfect 4-0 for the Dodgers and won his first postseason start. Between the two squads, Padilla pitched 147.1 innings, with a total of 12 wins. The 31-year old is a run-of-the-mill right-hander that doesn't overpower hitters and pitches to contact. He will likely get the opportunity to start at least one game this series.
Other Candidates - Jon Garland, RHP, Jeff Weaver, RHP
Potential Starters: Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels, LHP - Cole Hamels struggled through a hangover season from 2008, in which he battled injuries and inconsistency all year long. Still, he is the Phillies' starter with the most playoff pedigree and was able to win 10 games. In 2009, Hamels' innings were down to 193.2 and his strikeout numbers were also down, though he has the ability to miss bats. Hamels' achilles heel has always been the long ball, so if he can keep the ball in the park, the 25-year old is very tough. Hamels will likely be the Phillies' first or second starter.
Cliff Lee, LHP - Cliff Lee was a mid-season acquisition for the Phillies and he didn't disappoint. Since the Phillies acquired him, the 31-year old lefty won seven games and struck out nearly a batter per inning. Overall, Lee is a pitcher that can dominate and go deep into games, which will help the Phillies' bullpen. He tossed 231.2 innings, marking his fourth 200-inning campaign in the last six seasons. Still, Lee has no post season experience and has not proven whether he is a big-game pitcher or not. He will have the opportunity this year as the Phillies' first or second starter.
Pedro Martinez, RHP - Pedro Martinez was another late-season acqusition for the Phillies, as they signed the free agent to finish the 2009 season with them. Martinez has shown signs of his former self, now that he is healthy. And not having pitched the first half of the season means he is fresh for the playoffs, with only 44.2 innings. Most importantly, the 37-year old veteran righty has a lot of post season experience and is known as a clutch performer. While it has not been determined if and when Pedro will start, he still has the ability to miss bats and shut down an opponent.
J.A. Happ, LHP - Jay Happ is the Phillies' rookie phenom that has been the surprise anchor of the rotation. The 26-year old lefty is a consistent performer, despite not having overpowering stuff. In his first full season as a starter, Happ racked up a dozen wins and logged 168.0 innings pitched. Happ is sneaky with his pitches and can miss bats at times, though he typically pitches to contact. Happ has been a solid starter for the Phillies all season long, so it would be hard to imagine he doesn't get at least one start.
Cliff Lee, LHP - Cliff Lee was a mid-season acquisition for the Phillies and he didn't disappoint. Since the Phillies acquired him, the 31-year old lefty won seven games and struck out nearly a batter per inning. Overall, Lee is a pitcher that can dominate and go deep into games, which will help the Phillies' bullpen. He tossed 231.2 innings, marking his fourth 200-inning campaign in the last six seasons. Still, Lee has no post season experience and has not proven whether he is a big-game pitcher or not. He will have the opportunity this year as the Phillies' first or second starter.
Pedro Martinez, RHP - Pedro Martinez was another late-season acqusition for the Phillies, as they signed the free agent to finish the 2009 season with them. Martinez has shown signs of his former self, now that he is healthy. And not having pitched the first half of the season means he is fresh for the playoffs, with only 44.2 innings. Most importantly, the 37-year old veteran righty has a lot of post season experience and is known as a clutch performer. While it has not been determined if and when Pedro will start, he still has the ability to miss bats and shut down an opponent.
J.A. Happ, LHP - Jay Happ is the Phillies' rookie phenom that has been the surprise anchor of the rotation. The 26-year old lefty is a consistent performer, despite not having overpowering stuff. In his first full season as a starter, Happ racked up a dozen wins and logged 168.0 innings pitched. Happ is sneaky with his pitches and can miss bats at times, though he typically pitches to contact. Happ has been a solid starter for the Phillies all season long, so it would be hard to imagine he doesn't get at least one start.
Other Candidates - Joe Blanton, RHP, Kyle Kendrick, RHP
Pitching Primer: Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw: (8-8) 31 G, 171.0 IP, 2.79 ERA, 185 K, 7 HR
2009 Home Splits: (3-4) 16 G, 88.1 IP, 1.83 ERA, 97 K, 1 HR
2009 Road Splits: (5-4) 15 G, 82.2 IP, 3.81 ERA, 88 K, 6 HR
2009 vs. Phillies: (0-2) 2 G, 10.1 IP, 5.23 ERA, 10 K, 0 HR
Postseason Career: (0-0) 3 G, 8.2 IP, 3.12 ERA, 5 K, 1 HR
Career vs. PHI: 89 PA, .222 BA, .345 OBP, .347 SLG, 1 HR, 22 K
Chad Billingsley: (12-11) 33 G, 196.1 IP, 4.03 ERA, 179 K, 17 HR
2009 Home Splits: (8-6) 16 G, 92.0 IP, 4.01 ERA, 89 K, 6 HR
2009 Road Splits: (4-5) 17 G, 104.1 IP, 4.05 ERA, 90 K, 11 HR
2009 vs. Phillies: (0-0) 1 G, 7.0 IP, 1.29 ERA, 9 K, 0 HR
Postseason Career: (1-2) 5 G, 13.2 IP, 7.24 ERA, 19 K, 1 HR
Career vs. PHI: 128 PA, .313 BA, .444 OBP, .485 SLG, 3 HR, 28 K
2009 Home Splits: (8-6) 16 G, 92.0 IP, 4.01 ERA, 89 K, 6 HR
2009 Road Splits: (4-5) 17 G, 104.1 IP, 4.05 ERA, 90 K, 11 HR
2009 vs. Phillies: (0-0) 1 G, 7.0 IP, 1.29 ERA, 9 K, 0 HR
Postseason Career: (1-2) 5 G, 13.2 IP, 7.24 ERA, 19 K, 1 HR
Career vs. PHI: 128 PA, .313 BA, .444 OBP, .485 SLG, 3 HR, 28 K
Randy Wolf: (11-7) 34 G, 214.1 IP, 3.23 ERA, 160 K, 24 HR
2009 Home Splits: (4-3) 18 G, 114.0 IP, 3.63 ERA, 77 K, 15 HR
2009 Road Splits: (7-4) 16 G, 100.1 IP, 2.78 ERA, 83 K, 9 HR
2009 vs. Phillies: (1-1) 2 G, 12.1 IP, 5.11 ERA, 12 K, 3 HR
Postseason Career: (0-0) 1 G, 3.2 IP, 4.91 ERA, 2 K, 0 HR
Career vs. PHI: 107 PA, .250 BA, .311 OBP, .552 SLG, 7 HR, 26 K
2009 Home Splits: (4-3) 18 G, 114.0 IP, 3.63 ERA, 77 K, 15 HR
2009 Road Splits: (7-4) 16 G, 100.1 IP, 2.78 ERA, 83 K, 9 HR
2009 vs. Phillies: (1-1) 2 G, 12.1 IP, 5.11 ERA, 12 K, 3 HR
Postseason Career: (0-0) 1 G, 3.2 IP, 4.91 ERA, 2 K, 0 HR
Career vs. PHI: 107 PA, .250 BA, .311 OBP, .552 SLG, 7 HR, 26 K
Vicente Padilla: (12-6) 26 G, 147.1 IP, 4.46 ERA, 97 K, 16 HR
2009 Home Splits: (5-4) 13 G, 72.1 IP, 5.35 ERA, 52 K, 10 HR
2009 Road Splits: (7-2) 13 G, 75.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 45 K, 6 HR
2009 vs. Phillies: n/a
Postseason Career: (1-0) 1 G, 7.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 4 K, 0 HR
Career vs. PHI: 93 PA, .286 BA, .344 OBP, .488 SLG, 5 HR, 15 K
2009 Home Splits: (5-4) 13 G, 72.1 IP, 5.35 ERA, 52 K, 10 HR
2009 Road Splits: (7-2) 13 G, 75.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 45 K, 6 HR
2009 vs. Phillies: n/a
Postseason Career: (1-0) 1 G, 7.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 4 K, 0 HR
Career vs. PHI: 93 PA, .286 BA, .344 OBP, .488 SLG, 5 HR, 15 K
Pitching Primer: Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels: (10-11) 32 G, 193.2 IP, 4.32 ERA, 168 K, 24 HR
2009 Home Splits: (7-5) 17 G, 105.1 IP, 3.76 ERA, 103 K, 14 HR
2009 Road Splits: (3-6) 15 G, 88.1 IP, 4.99 ERA, 65 K, 10 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: (1-0) 1 G, 16.0 IP, 0.56 ERA, 14 K, 1 HR
Postseason Career: (4-2) 7 G, 46.2 IP, 2.70 ERA, 42 K, 3 HR
Career vs. LAD: 194 PA, .240 BA, .280 OBP, .377 SLG, 5 HR, 41 K
Cliff Lee: (14-13) 34 G, 231.2 IP, 3.22 ERA, 181 K, 17 HR
2009 Home Splits: (6-8) 16 G, 110.2 IP, 2.85 ERA, 96 K, 7 HR
2009 Road Splits: (8-5) 18 G, 121.0 IP, 3.57 ERA, 85 K, 10 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: n/a
Postseason Career: (1-0) 2 G, 16.1 IP, 1.10 ERA, 10 K, 0 HR
Career vs. LAD: 97 PA, .259 BA, .361 OBP, .519 SLG, 5 HR, 10 K
Pedro Martinez: (5-1) 9 G, 44.2 IP, 3.63 ERA, 37 K, 7 HR
2009 Home Splits: (2-0) 5 G, 24.0 IP, 1.88 ERA, 22 K, 4 HR
2009 Road Splits: (3-1) 4 G, 20.2 IP, 5.66 ERA, 15 K, 3 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: n/a
Postseason Career: (6-2) 13 G, 79.1 IP, 3.40 ERA, 80 K, 7 HR
2009 Home Splits: (7-5) 17 G, 105.1 IP, 3.76 ERA, 103 K, 14 HR
2009 Road Splits: (3-6) 15 G, 88.1 IP, 4.99 ERA, 65 K, 10 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: (1-0) 1 G, 16.0 IP, 0.56 ERA, 14 K, 1 HR
Postseason Career: (4-2) 7 G, 46.2 IP, 2.70 ERA, 42 K, 3 HR
Career vs. LAD: 194 PA, .240 BA, .280 OBP, .377 SLG, 5 HR, 41 K
Cliff Lee: (14-13) 34 G, 231.2 IP, 3.22 ERA, 181 K, 17 HR
2009 Home Splits: (6-8) 16 G, 110.2 IP, 2.85 ERA, 96 K, 7 HR
2009 Road Splits: (8-5) 18 G, 121.0 IP, 3.57 ERA, 85 K, 10 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: n/a
Postseason Career: (1-0) 2 G, 16.1 IP, 1.10 ERA, 10 K, 0 HR
Career vs. LAD: 97 PA, .259 BA, .361 OBP, .519 SLG, 5 HR, 10 K
Pedro Martinez: (5-1) 9 G, 44.2 IP, 3.63 ERA, 37 K, 7 HR
2009 Home Splits: (2-0) 5 G, 24.0 IP, 1.88 ERA, 22 K, 4 HR
2009 Road Splits: (3-1) 4 G, 20.2 IP, 5.66 ERA, 15 K, 3 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: n/a
Postseason Career: (6-2) 13 G, 79.1 IP, 3.40 ERA, 80 K, 7 HR
Career vs. LAD: 209 PA, .218 BA, .290 OBP, .372 SLG, 6 HR, 58 K
J.A. Happ: (12-4) 35 G, 166.0 IP, 2.93 ERA, 119 K, 20 HR
2009 Home Splits: (5-2) 17 G, 71.0 IP, 4.18 ERA, 61 K, 11 HR
2009 Road Splits: (7-2) 18 G, 95.0 IP, 1.99 ERA, 58 K, 9 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: (0-0) 1 G, 0.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 K, 0 HR
Postseason Career: (0-0) 3 G, 6.0 IP, 9.00 ERA, 6 K, 0 HR
Career vs. LAD: 15 PA, .364 BA, .467 OBP, .364 SLG, 0 HR, 0 K
J.A. Happ: (12-4) 35 G, 166.0 IP, 2.93 ERA, 119 K, 20 HR
2009 Home Splits: (5-2) 17 G, 71.0 IP, 4.18 ERA, 61 K, 11 HR
2009 Road Splits: (7-2) 18 G, 95.0 IP, 1.99 ERA, 58 K, 9 HR
2009 vs. Dodgers: (0-0) 1 G, 0.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 K, 0 HR
Postseason Career: (0-0) 3 G, 6.0 IP, 9.00 ERA, 6 K, 0 HR
Career vs. LAD: 15 PA, .364 BA, .467 OBP, .364 SLG, 0 HR, 0 K
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