Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals: NL Playoff Series

In the final game of today's tripleheader, the Dodgers will square off against the Cardinals. This series will boast two of the greatest managers ever in baseball: the Cardinals' Tony LaRussa and the Dodgers' Joe TorreJoe Torre. The matchup is very intriguing.

Catcher: The Dodgers Russell MartinRussell Martin (.250, 7 HR, 53 RBI) started the season real slow, but has regained his hitting form. Yadier MolinaYadier Molina (.293, 6 HR, 53 RBI) is the best defensive catcher in baseball today. Advantage: St. Louis

1B: James LoneyJames Loney (.281, 13 HR, 90 RBI) had a respectable year for the Dodgers. Albert PujolsAlbert Pujols (.327, 47 HR, 135 RBI) had another career year as he is now the most feared hitter in baseball. Advantage: St. Louis

2B: Los Angeles' Orlando HudsonOrlando Hudson (.283, 9 HR, 62 RBI) has been a calming influence in the clubhouse. Cardinals' Skip SchumakerSkip Schumaker (.303, 4 HR, 35 RBI) finally found a home at second base. Advantage: Even

SS: Dodgers Rafael FurcalRafael Furcal (.269, 9 HR, 47 RBI) is the catalyst for this offense. Brendan Ryan (.292, 3 HR, 37 RBI) has been a steadying influence at shortstop. Advantage: Even

3B: Dodgers Casey BlakeCasey Blake (.280, 18 HR, 79 RBI) had another solid year. Cardinals Mark DeRosaMark DeRosa (.228, 10 HR, 28 RBI) has not had the type of impact baseball analysts expected from him after he was traded from the Cleveland Indians during the middle of the season. Advantage: Los Angeles

LF: Dodgers Manny RamirezManny Ramirez (.290, 19 HR, 63 RBI) has not been the same after serving a 50-game suspension for testing positve for steroids. Matt HollidayMatt Holliday (.353, 13 HR, 55 RBI) is the reason why the Cardinals are in the postseason. Advantage: St. Louis

CF: Dodgers Matt Kemp (.297, 26 HR, 101 RBI) has emerged as one of the best center fielders in the game today. Cardinals Colby Rasmus (.251, 16 HR, 52 RBI) has been a pleasant surprise this season. Advantage: Los Angeles

RF: Dodgers Andre Ethier (.272, 31 HR, 106 RBI) and Cardinals Ryan Ludwick (.265, 22 HR, 97 RBI) have both been consistent run-producers all year. Advantage: Even

Starting Pitching: The Dodgers have one of the best team ERA's in the league. The Dodgers will go with Randy Wolf (11-7, 3.23 ERA), Clayton Kershaw (8-8, 2.78 ERA), Vincente Padilla (4-0, 3.29 ERA), and Chad Billingsley (12-11, 4.03 ERA). The Cardinals counter with the best one-two pitching duos in the major leagues. Chris Carpenter (17-4, 2.24 ERA) and Adam Wainwright (19-8, 2.63 ERA) have been phenomenal. Advantage: St. Louis

Relief Pitching: Both teams have solid closers with the Dodgers having Johnathon Broxton (7-2 with 36 saves) and with the Cardinals having Ryan Franklin (4-3 with 38 saves). Advantage: Even

With Tony LaRussa managing, the starting lineup could possibly change for the Cardinals. However, with the two aces and with Matt Holliday backing up Albert Pujols in the lineup, the Cardinals should win this series in four. So sit back and enjoy the tripleheader today.