The Dodgers' management has spoken, and here's the look at who made the cut for the Division Series against the Braves, starting today:
Starting Rotation
Clayton Kershaw
Zack Greinke
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Ricky Nolasco
Bullpen
Kenley Jansen
Brian Wilson
J.P. Howell
Paco Rodriguez
Ronald Belisario
Chris Withrow
Chris Capuano (long relief)
Catchers
A.J. Ellis
Tim Federowicz
Infielders
Adrian Gonzalez
Mark Ellis
Hanley Ramirez
Juan Uribe
Michael Young
Dee Gordon
Outfielers
Carl Crawford
Yasiel Puig
Scott Van Slyke
Andre Ethier
Utility
Skip Schumaker
Nick Punto
Analysis: The biggest names to be left off are Brandon League, Carlos Marmol, and Jerry Hairston. I completely agree with keeping League off, who was abysmal this year. I also agree with Hairston, as Young is a much better option because of his bat.
Keeping Withrow over Marmol surprises me a little bit. I though Marmol's experience would win out, and he did have a 2.53 ERA in 21 appearances with the Dodgers. But his lack of control can be maddening, and we all know that in October, walks can kill you. So Withrow it is, though I don't see him pitching meaningful innings anyway.
Ethier ended up making the cut, and will be relegated to pinch-hitting duties. I wrote yesterday about how this slightly concerns me, but it is what it is. Gordon should get unleashed late in games when the Dodgers need that extra run. That should be fun to watch.
Overall, the Dodgers will miss Matt Kemp and the impact his bat can make, but nonetheless, they're good to go. If they can get one in Atlanta and grab back home field advantage, they'll be in great shape with their pitching staff.
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