By Morris Phillips

The Dodgers-Giants rivalry resumes tonight at AT&T Park and nothing says drama more succinctly than stating the Giants won a couple of world titles prompting the Dodgers to spend billions to make sure the Giants’ success ceases and the Dodgers’ reign resumes.
Adding to the major storyline is the fact that both teams have broken out on top in the NL West and no time is better than the present to make a statement that could affect the almost 150 games remaining in 2014.
The Dodgers have won seven of their last 10 games despite operating without Clayton Kershaw, Brian Wilson, Carl Crawford and for most of that stretch, without Yasiel Puig as well. The Dodgers are obnoxiously deep illustrated by the contributions of newly-acquired Dan Haren (2-0) and incumbent speedster Dee Gordon (.400). If the Giants want to think dismissively, they could point to fact that the Dodgers are 5-0 against the lowly D’Backs and 4-4 against everyone else (Tigers, Giants, Padres). If they want to think practically, the Giants would admit the Dodgers are inevitably heating up, winning seven of their first eight road contests.
The Giants have scored more runs than Big Blue with an offensive attack that so far has been impressive. While the Dodgers hold a slight advantage in hits and team batting average, the Giants have hit more home runs and hold the better slugging percentage. Of course, everyone knows the Giants’ pitching has to hold up to beat the Dodgers and so far, their pitching hasn’t been exceptional. The Giants rank in the middle of the NL with a 3.69 team ERA and questions surrounding their starting rotation. San Francisco’s defense hasn’t been great either, responsible so far for eight unearned runs.
The Dodgers without Kershaw has been a mixed bag as well, but L.A. ranks higher than the Giants in ERA, runs allowed and wins. Of course, with the Dodgers, it’s who you face, and the Giants appear to get a break with Paul Malholm, Josh Beckett and Hyun-Jin Ryu scheduled for this series as opposed to Haren and Zach Grienke (combined 5-0).
Looking for a key to deciding a close game in this series? Probably have to look at the threats at the top of the respective orders in Gordon and the Giants’ Angel Pagan (.412). Both players have energized their lineups with their consistent hitting, but can they keep it up over the next three games. Even early in the season, .400 hitters are more likely to cool off than heat up, especially with the emphasis on getting either player out this week.