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In fitting fashion, the Dodgers have clinched their first National League West Title since 2004.  The Diamondback, who were just 2 games back when entering their series against the Cardinals bowed out in weak fashion, dropping their second straight 12-3.   The Dodgers meanwhile, may have gotten a huge boost last night with both Jeff Kent and Rafael Furcal returning to game action from injury stints.

Kent came made a pinch hit appearance in the seventh inning, he singled to right in his first game action since injuring his knee and undergoing surgery August 29th.  Furcal struck out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, in his first appearance since he went on the disabled list May 6 because of back problems.  Furcal remained in the game for the ninth inning to play shortstop but wasn’t involved in recording the last three outs.  It remains to be see if either will be deemed healthy enough by Joe Torre to be added to the Post- Season roster.  Furcal could be an asset if healthy providing an experienced switch hitter off the bench with speed and would likely be able to fill in defensively in the late innings.  Kent seems like a long shot at this point, fresh off surgery, Kent would only be good as a pinch hitter and would require a pinch runner if he were to reach base.

With a two run shot last night, Manny Ramirez tied Matt Kemp for 2nd on the Dodgers in home runs with 17, despite having only 181 at bats in 50 games since joining Los Angeles.  Ramirez continues to put up other worldly numbers, through 50 games he is  hitting .398 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI’s.

At this time the Dodgers are still waiting to learn who they will face in the division series.  Currently the Mets and Brewers are tied for the Wild Card.  If the Mets win the Wild Card the Dodgers would head to Philadelphia to face the Phillies, while if the Brewers steal the Wild Card, the Dodgers would face the Chicago Cubs.

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