1988 Dodgers Week 22 review: Looking ahead to Mets

The Dodgers ended their week 5½ games up in the National League West with 26 games to play, but they have their eye on a potential NLCS matchup with the Mets.

In preparation of facing New York in the playoffs the Dodgers traded for left-handed pitcher Ricky Horton from the White Sox, sending Shawn Hillegas to Chicago. Orel Hershiser, who won his 18th game of the season on Tuesday, explained the reasoning of the deal to Sam McManis of the Los Angeles Times:

"It gives you the advantage of turning their lineup around when you bring in the left-handed reliever," he said. "Then, when they bring up right-handed pinch-hitters, you bring in your right-handed stopper.

"If we go against the Mets, Hernandez and Strawberry are the keys to their lineup. Now, this gives us three lefties in the bullpen--Orosco, Horton, and there's nothing in stone saying (John) Tudor can't pitch to a batter in relief, if we need him."

But to meet the Mets the Dodgers will have to turn things around. They dropped two games in New York over the weekend, giving them a 1-10 record against the Mets this season. Their only saving grace came Sunday, when rain washed out the series finale at Shea Stadium, saving the Dodgers from another loss.

But manager Tommy Lasorda remained confident, telling the Times, "We don't fear any team. We respect them all. But we don't fear them. The only thing I can say is that we'll have to see what happens if we both make the playoffs."

Dodger Batter of the Week: Light-hitting shortstop Alfredo Griffin was hitting .164 entering the week but had hits in all five games, including his first home run of the season. Griffin was 8-for-17 (.471) for the week, raising his batting average on the season to .186.

Dodger Pitcher of the Week: After putting up a 2.37 ERA in his first three starts and having nothing to show for it but an 0-1 record, rookie Ramon Martinez got his first major league win by allowing one unearned run in seven innings on Monday in Montreal.

"The guy pitched three outstanding games and he had nothing to show for it," Lasorda told the Times. "It's like playing poker all night and breaking even. It's like winking at a girl in the dark. What good does it do you? Nothing."

Week 22 Record: 2-3

10 runs scored (2.00 per game)
17 runs allowed (3.40 per game)
.275 pythagorean winning percentage

Seasonal Record: 77-57

547 runs scored (4.05 per game)
481 runs allowed (3.56 per game)
.559 pythagorean winning percentage (75-59)

Transactions:

• Tuesday: Left-handed relief pitcher Ricky Horton was acquired from the White Sox for pitcher Shawn Hillegas. To make room on the active roster, Tim Crews was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, making Crews ineligible for the playoffs.
  
  "I think it's a mistake to take me off," Crews told McManis. "For what I've given them this season, in every situation, I feel cheated. But I guess they feel they are doing what's best for the organization."
• Wednesday: Outfielder Jose Gonzalez was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to be active for the postseason roster. Mike Sharperson was temporarily optioned to the Dukes.
• Thursday: On the first day rosters expanded, the Dodgers recalled pitchers Ken Howell and William Brennan, outfielders Mike Devereaux and Chris Gwynn, and catcher Gil Reyes from Triple-A Albuquerque.
• Friday: As the Dodgers opened a series in New York they added Tim Crews and Mike Sharperson back from the Dukes.

Game Results:

• Monday, Aug. 29: Dodgers 2, Expos 1
• Tuesday, Aug. 30: Dodgers 4, Expos 2
• Wednesday, Aug. 31: Expos 4, Dodgers 3
• Friday, Sept. 2: Mets 8, Dodgers 0
• Saturday, Sept. 3: Mets 2, Dodgers 1
• Sunday, Sept. 4: Dodgers at Mets, ppd.

Upcoming Week: The Dodgers run the Denis Menke gauntlet, finishing their road trip with two games in Atlanta before returning home for two with the Astros and three games against the Reds.

Previous 1988 weeks in review: April 4-10 | April 11-17 | April 18-24 | April 25-May 1 | May 2-8 | May 9-15 | May 16-22 | May 23-29 | May 30-June 5 | June 6-12 | June 13-19 | June 20-26 | June 27-July 3 | July 4-10 | July 11-17 | July 18-24 | July 25-31 | Aug 1-7 | Aug 8-14 | Aug 15-21 | Aug 22-28

Week 22 Stats