DODGER SURPRISE

So they did it, the Dodgers pulled off a sweep of the Cardinals last night. Not really a shock with a lineup like that, and a Hall of Fame manager leading the way, but a somewhat surprise to any baseball pundit. The Cards were stacked on the pitching side of things and had a very good lineup as well lead by mega stars Albert Pujols and Matt Holiday, but in this series neither could produce when it counted. The Dodger pen was as advertised, shutting the door on Tony LaRussa's team in each game. Yesterday's game, though, it was Torre's choice of starter that blanked the Cards.

Vincente Padilla, is one of the more hated pitchers in baseball. Both opponents and teammates have had problems with him. Mark Teixeira looked like he wanted to severely beat him earlier in the year. Texas ended up dumping him shortly afterwards, and the pitching deprived Dodgers took a flyer on him. It worked out. He pitched well down the stretch, and yesterday he took down the Cards in the most important game of the year thus far. His teammates all seemed to like him and showered him with hugs. Huh. Maybe Saint Joe performed a miracle, or maybe Mr. Padilla learned a valuable lesson by being embarrassed by the Rangers. Either way, the LA Dodgers are going to the ALCS.

The other NLDS game was postponed till tonight as snow and icy cold weather shut down Denver. The Phillies also announced that J.A. Happ will replace Pedro Martinez as the starter. I would guess the much younger Happ has a better chance at braving the elements and getting the job done. Pedro is probably not too happy. I still see this as an advantage for the Rockies being its their turf. Both ALDS series have their game threes as well, and the for the Angels and Yanks it could be clinchers.