Phillies appear primed to repeat as champs

...33) and aren't likely to be intimidated by the formidable aura of Yankeeology. The fact that Brad Lidge (4 IP, 1 H, 0 R), Ryan Madson (6 IP, 8 K) and Chad Durbin (4...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 24, 2009

Dodgers fall short of big expectations

The Dodgers, who expected great things this season, were left with sadness and questions after another NLCS defeat to the Phillies.

When Pedro's away, Dodgers play

The Dodgers couldn't figure out Pedro Martinez, but once he exited, L.A. began to stir -- and posted a stirring come-from-behind victory over the Phillies to even the NLCS at one win apiece.

Top 10 matchups of the LCS

Here's what I see as the top 10 matchups of the league championship series: The Dodgers' left-handed relievers versus the Phillies' left-handed hitte...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 15, 2009

A-Rod experiencing October rebirth

Alex Rodriguez is forging a new identity this October, playing a far different role than in previous years.

My conversations with a gay pro athlete

LZ Granderson speaks to a gay professional athlete who is considering coming out of the closet.

Getting pumped for the playoffs

Page 2 presents 77 reasons to spend October in front of your TV set.

Padilla fans 10 in 5 innings to help Dodgers past Rockies

Vicente Padilla struck out 10 in five innings, and the NL West champion Dodgers finished the regular season with a 5-3 victory over the Rockies.

Three Strikes: Battles for best of the '00s

...SB -- Juan Pierre 456 WORST AVG.* -- Brandon Inge .236 WORST OBP* -- Corey Patterson .252 WORST SLUG* -- Brad Ausmus .327 WORST OPS* -- Cesar Izturis .627 WINS -- Andy Pettitte 148 SAVES -- Mariano Rivera 397 ERA** -- Pedro...

Blog Entry | Conversation | September 29, 2009

LaRoche's 2 homers help spoil Dodgers' bid to seal division title

ormer Dodgers prospect Andy LaRoche homered twice, doubled twice and singled, driving in six runs as the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates romped 11-1 Monday and again prevented Los Angeles from clinching the NL West.

Lost at the plate

Russell Martin's miserable season at the plate might be easier to forget if the Dodgers' catcher can come up big in October.

Dodgers-Reds Preview

Dodgers-Reds Preview

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton, left, is congratulated by catcher Brad Ausmus after retiring the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 3-2 victory in...

Broxton's eighth-inning 'save'

...eighth. Except Saturday. The roles were switched and Sherril was the one shaking hands with catcher Brad Ausmus after the final out was recorded, not Broxton. Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times wrote...

Draft not perfect, but three teams got exactly what they wanted

Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire It came to down to the very last minute, but the Nationals got their man in Stephen Strasburg. By Peter Gammons, ESPN...