LAST NIGHT IT WAS JEFF KENT - TODAY IT’S _________________.

No one player is the key to the pennant.  We will win or lose as a team.  It will certainly help if Jeff Kent, JD Drew and Nomar all heat up, but we need Wilson Betemit, Russ Martin, Andre Ethier, Raffy Furcal and Kenny Lofton as well.  During our winning streak, it was a team effort and the push to the playoffs has to be the same.  We don’t have that “Big Bopper” who hits 30 or 40 HR this year, but I would not be surprised if JD Drew, Jeff Kent or Nomar were to hit 10 HR in September or 22 to 23 COMBINED!  We are due.

Tomko:  He is most effective not pitching in back-to-back games as he learns the ropes in the bullpen.  He is a key piece. 

I say the two key guys in the pen are Sele and Dessens, because it puts less strain on Broxton, Tomko and Saito for the 8th and 9th innings.  If Dessens and Sele pitch well in long relief, our pen will be a strength.   After next Friday, we will have Kuo as well and this can only help.  Maybe he will start.  Maybe he will relieve, but he should be an asset!

Role Players:  Lugo, Hall, even Hendrickson are likely one-season Dodgers, but all have fit in.  I still believe that this season can be special.  These are Destiny’s Dodgers!C-Bill goes today.  Let’s hope he can show his stuff!  He has to be tired, but the pennant is on the line!

Scott Elbert is the same age as Billingsley and has a higher upside.  Look for it to happen!