The 5 Things the Phillies Need To Do To Beat LA

1. Take Manny out of the game

Ramirez is arguably the best postseason hitter of all time. Here's something that's not debatable: Manny has 26 postseason home runs, the most by any player in the playoff history. Charlie Manuel knows Manny's tendencies, so maybe the Phils might not have to walk him as much. The Phillies pitching staff must make sure that no runners are in scoring position when Manny is due up. He is their only player with real good power and you can't let him be the one to knock in their runs.

2. Utley needs to hit

For the Phillies to be successful, Chase Utley (above) needs to fill that hole in his bat. Utley is batted .133 against the Brewers with four strikeouts. He is a big part of the reason why the Phillies haven't been producing with runners on. When Rollins or Werth gets on for him, he needs to be able to provide a base knock.

3. Be patient, Ryan

Ryan Howard must not get frustrated. He will not get many pitches to hit. That does not mean he should chase balls out of the zone. I know you're a good hitter Ryan, but for the good of the team, take the walk. We all saw what happened the other night, when the Brewers walked you to get to Burrell. A walk is as good as a single.

4. Don't be intimidated by Dodger pitching

Everyone is raving about how good the Dodger pitching is. Well, I ain't buyin' it. You have to remember that they pitch in the spacious LA Coliseum. Some of those deep flies at the Coliseum will turn into four-baggers in the Bank. I'm surprised more people aren't bringing this up.

5. Take the home games

I know the Phils have home field advantage, but I'm not so sure it works in their favor. They play two games here, then three in California, then finish the final two games at the Bank. If the Phillies loss both games (or even go 1-1) the Dodgers will have a chance to wrap it up at home. So their is a big emphasis on winning these home games.