Looking at the NLCS checklist

The Dodgers are now fully into their offseason after suffering another NLCS setback against the Phillies. The chances were there to make this season different from last, but the Phillies were the ones to once again make all the big plays when it mattered.

Like I did for the Division Series against the Cardinals, let's take a look at the checklist for the NLCS and how the Dodgers fared in each category.

1) Win the first two games at home.
No check.

As we all know, the Phillies took Game 1, 8-6. The Dodgers did come back and win Game 2, but a 1-1 split gave the Phillies a chance to sweep three at home. And, of course, they did.

This is the reason I felt the Dodgers needed to win their home games. All the Phillies needed was a slight opening of the door, and they kicked it down. They won both of their home games last year, and eventually cruised to a series win. The Dodgers could not duplicate that.

2) Keep the Phillies in the yard.
No check.

That would be a big, fat no. The Phillies rocked 10 homers in five games, which is their calling card. They hit at least one every game. Six different players recorded one.

And it wasn't just Ryan Howard who did the damage (who had two), it was guys like Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz who joined in on the fun. They just couldn't be stopped.

3) Keep Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino off base.
No check.

Victorino did the most damage, hitting .368 with a .478 OBP. Hitting in the second spot of the order in front of all the sluggers, he saw plenty of pitches to hit, and didn't miss a beat. He led the team with seven hits and 16 total bases.

Rollins only hit .227 with a .292 OBP. But, his biggest hit was the walk-off two-run double to win Game 4 off of Jonathan Broxton. For that reason alone, he was a big factor.

4) Get the lead after five innings.
No check.

That only happened once, in Game 4, a game the Dodgers lost anyway. Give the Phillies credit - they made the Dodgers' starters look totally weak.

5) Get to the Phillies' bullpen.
Check or no check, it didn't matter.

The reason is because the Phillies' bullpen in the NLCS was much better than the regular season. It all starts with Brad Lidge, who has been a new man this postseason. Well, maybe an old man, as in the guy who was perfect last season. He pitched 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings, picking up a save.

Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and J.A. Happ were all flawless as well, combining for four scoreless innings. The Dodgers were able to get to the bullpen, but it ended up making no difference.