With only a two game cushion between us and the Rockies the series against them just got a whole lot more interesting.  The Dodgers have had the Rockies’ number all season long going 10-2 against them in the past and averaging over six runs a game.  But that is the past and the message the Rockies want to send to the Dodgers and the league during this series is that the old Rockies are gone and the new and improved Rockies led by Jim Tracy are here.  So should Dodgers fans be worried?  My simple answer is yes.  The Dodgers that started the season strong and posted the best record in baseball at the All Star break are gone.  Maybe not entirely gone, but they definitely don’t have the same stuff as before.

Some might argue that the biggest weakness of the Dodgers right now is their offense, specifically the inability of the Dodgers offense to produce runs with runners in scoring position.  Although that is a big problem for the Dodgers, I do not see it as their biggest weakness.  Right now the biggest weakness I can see is the pitching, specifically the bullpen.

Broxton, the “Closer, hasn’t been as effective as he was earlier in the season.  Perhaps it’s because he’s tired having pitched the second most innings of all closers in the National League, or perhaps it’s because hitters are learning how to hit his fastball.  My hope is that he is just tired and not commanding his pitches, but my gut is telling me that it is a little bit of both.  Either way the inability of Broxton to shut down games for the Dodgers is a big problem.

The pitching problems for the Dodgers bullpen don’t stop there, many of the Dodgers middle relievers are struggling as well.  Two pitchers that immediately come to mind are Ronald Belisario and Ramon Troncoso.  These two guys just aren’t providing the Dodgers with the consistency needed to win games.  Many of the Dodgers starters tend to have high pitch counts early in the game, so the importance of the middle relief is magnified.  Last night with the game tied Belisario came in for Kershaw and immediately gave up a home run to Clint Barmes to give the Rockies their first lead of the game.  I’m confident I’m not alone when I cringe seeing the middle relievers being brought in during close games.  Torre puts on a great face, the way any good manager should, but I have to imagine he has the same pit in his stomach.

Lets all pray the Dodgers bullpen can come together down the stretch and the offense can wake up and start producing with runners on to ease the pressure from the pitchers.  Otherwise the Dodgers will be battling for the NL wild card.  Either way the remainder of the season will be fun to watch.