PUTTING A LIDGE ON GAME ONE

Yeah, I couldn't refuse that headline, but he did it. Brad Lidge closed out Game One of the NLCS doubling up Casey Blake and Matt Kemp and inducing a pop up by Ronnie Belliard. He let two on again, but it didn't matter in this game. Afterwards Lidge said he felt like he was back, which is fine, but results are what matter, and so far this post-season the results have been overall favorable.

Ryan Madson, however, was not good, giving up a bunch of runs in the 8th so they still have bullpen issues. The Dodgers set-up man, former closer George Sherrill had problems last night as well, giving up the 3-run homer to Raul Ibanez that put the game out of reach.

The game was a slugfest, with homers from Carlos Ruiz and Ibanez for the Phillies and James Loney and ManRam for the Dodgers, chasing starters Clayton Kershaw and Cole Hamels. Manny, while homering, couldn't come up with anything else the rest of the night with men on base, but he's not super-human, and worse than that he's getting old!

I'm surprised Torre kept Kershaw in for as long as he did, since it he's known to have an itchy trigger finger in the playoffs. His faith in Kershaw didn't pay off this time. The kid does look like he'll be a winner, but last night wasn't his night, as the Phillies super-potent lineup had his number throughout. They are clutch all up and down the lineup as shown by Ruiz socking a 3-run dinger to put the Phillies ahead early.

Even with the Phillies winning this one, you have to be concerned about Cole Hamels moving forward. He has not looked good this season, and his funk has continued in the post-season. The bats may not be there in every game he starts, so it bears watching.

Today, Game Two showcases an interesting match-up in Pedro Martinez vs. Vincente Padilla, as both players at one time played for the opposite team. Even more interesting will be seeing Pedro face Manny. The game starts at 4:07(EST).

And also, later tonight, weather permitting, the Yankees and Angels get it on. LCS, baby!