Can Kershaw continue?
At 9-4, he looks like an ace in the making, but Clayton Kershaw is just 22 years old and could pass his career high in innings pitched (171, he’s at 112 1/3) in mid-August. The stabilizer: The steady production of James Loney (.309, six homers, 63 RBI) has allowed the Dodgers to survive injuries and quieted concerns about a lack of power at first base. Manny: Left fielder Manny Ramirez needs to stay healthy, produce and not become a distraction because of his uncertain status for 2011. A third consecutive trip to the NLCS is possible if: The Dodgers shore up at least one of their pressing pitching needs, for an additional starter or bullpen help. A third consecutive trip to the NLCS is in jeopardy if : The impending McCourt divorce case creates front-office paralysis at the trade deadline.
