Phils-Dodgers Game 4

Notes on Game 4:

The swing Matt Stairs put on his home run was so picture perfect it should be used in hitting instructional videos. It was as smooth as Babe Ruth's swing in the old newsreels.

Carlos Ruiz has been one of the unsung heros of the playoffs. His defense is a given but he has had a number of timely hits including two last night. This doesn't mean he's suddenly become good hitter but short series sure do produce plenty of surprises.

Jimmy Rollins is struggling mightily again at the plate. I say again because he has endured numerous dry patches this year. He is obviously pressing but his fielding hasn't suffered. He anchors the infield and continues to make all the plays he should and most of the plays he shouldn't.

Charlie Manuel made a bizarre decision in the top of the 6th inning. With first and second and no out, he had Shane Victorino bunt the runners over. Not letting Shane hit was somewhat questionable but the bizarre part came next. With Gregg Dobbs up next, and a lefty throwing, Manuel pinch hit with Pedro Felice. Of course, Joe Torre countered with a right-hander. It's a contact situation and your best contact hitter (Dobbs) is due up and you pinch hit with someone prone to the strike out. It turned out not to be pivotal but very hard to figure just the same.

Victorino's home run was the best kind of payback for his displeasure over being targeted by Dodger pitchers the night before - far better than any form of retaliation or fisticuffs.