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From 4 1/2 back to 3 1/2 up.  That’s what 12 games can mean in major league baseball, just ask the surging Dodgers.  Just two weeks ago the Dodgers lost their eighth straight game in the opener of a crucial series in Arizona, following sweeps at the hands of both Philadelphia and Washington.  Since that time the Dodgers have won 10 of 11 and find themselves with a little breathing room while they play their final 17 games in preparation for the playoffs.

While pitching can clearly be credited with the recent surge ( the pitching staff has not allowed more than four runs to score over that time, and held opponents to 3 runs or less in 8 of the 12 games), it is the bats that have caught the eye of both Dodger fans and Dodger foes.   Headlining the new power punch is Andre Eithier, and Manny Ramirez.  While Ramirez certainly hasn’t snuck up on anybody, his numbers since joining the Dodgers are nothing short of jaw dropping.  In just 38 games in Dodger Blue, Ramirez has hit 14 home runs and driven in 40 RBI’s, all while sporting a Ted Williamsesque .396 batting average.  More importantly over this 12 game stretch that has propelled the Dodgers into first place, Ramirez has hit 7 of his 14 home runs and 17 RBI’s.

Manny’s presence was almost unwelcomed by veteran Jeff Kent, but it is clear the Dodgers youth has embraced the childlike superstar, and his presence seems to be rubbing off on them in the batters box.  No Dodger has been more thankful for Manny Ramirez, than right fielder Andre Eithier.  Eithier has been with the Dodgers for 3 seasons, getting sporadic playing time due high priced veterans playing in front of him.  After his recent tear, Ethier has to be feeling much more comfortable about his standing on the Dodgers pecking order.  Since the beginning of August, Eithier is batting .375 with 9 home runs and 25 RBI’s, while hitting in front of Manny Ramirez in the #2 hole.  While is timely hitting has been nothing short of season saving, it is his all around play in the field and on the base paths that has had Joe Torre singing his praise.  After a 4 RBI night in which Eithier drove in the tying run with a triple and cleared the bases with a 3- run double, Torre gushed on Eithier’s performance.

“Andre is having at-bats that have been of such high quality,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “I remember earlier in the year, he would get frustrated when he would get behind in the count and stop being selective. They can’t do that (to him) anymore. In a lot of situations, he has been able to fight for that at-bat, and I think (this game) was a perfect example of that.”

The Dodgers begin a 3 games series in Colorado where they have struggled recently.  On the season they are 8-7 against the Rockies, but have won just 3 of their last 9 games against Clint Hurdles club.

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