THE TORRE FACTOR

The LA Dodgers have ruined my predictions. By going 2 up on the heavily favored Cardinals they've already exceeded expectations, but that's the Torre Factor for you.

Being a Yankee fan, (did I mention that?) I came to get used to the way Torre worked his club during the playoffs. Even took it for granted, but it took a couple of years away from the man to see it clearly again. The man plays on guts alone. Match-ups and stat sheets mean nothing. Sheer guts gets him through. Sometimes it doesn't, though, but you have to admire him nonetheless.

In Game 1 of their NLDS, Torre took out starter Randy Wolf very early, and leaned on his much stronger bullpen to get him 5+ outs. And it worked! Last night, his team rewarded him by mounting a come from behind win off of Cards closer Ryan Franklin. Two of the guys in the middle of that? Ronnie Belliard, whom Torre has been sticking to instead of regular Orlando Hudson, and pinch hitter Mike Loretta. Right guys at the right time?

Nope, thats the Torre Factor. It'll be interesting to see how far it gets them this year.

In other Division Series action: The Rox tied the Phillies at one game a piece behind a good start by Aaron Cook, and John Lackey dominated the Red Sox while Torre Hunter and crew plated five for a 5-0 win. Respective Game Twos of both ALDS series take place this evening while the NL teams travel for their Game Threes tomorrow.