The odds-on favorite to draw the start is Wolf, who pitched just 3 2/3 innings against the Cardinals in Game 1. The team may elect to slot Kershaw for two home game starts, which would necessitate a Game 2 assignment. His ERA at home on the season was a sterling 1.83, compared with 3.81 on the road.

Marquis, who had a 6.05 ERA in his final seven starts, was one of Colorado's most dependable pitchers the entire season, but won't draw a start once in the NLDS. The Rockies plan on bringing Ubaldo Jimenez back for Game 4 Monday. If Game 5 is played, the nod will go to Aaron Cook.

Manager Joe Torre pushed all of the right buttons this week, particularly with his usage of Jonathan Broxton and his choice of Padilla tonight. Maybe Chad Billingsley would have done about as well as poorly as the Cardinals were hitting, but Padilla was terrific, allowing just four hits. It was his first seven-inning outing in eight starts with the Dodgers.

There are no series MVP in the DSs, but there's no doubt that Ethier would have claimed the honor for these three games. He went 6-for-12 with two homers, a triple and two doubles in the sweep.

Holliday did hit a solo homer in Game 2, but he still goes down as the series goat for dropping the liner that would have ended Thursday's game. The Cardinals will still likely make an effort to re-sign him this winter, but their fans might not be as disappointed to lose him as they would have been a week ago.

"Of course I want to be back," Abreu said. "I have a good time over here. This organization, the team, the manager and the fans, too, they've treated me very well here. I think they really appreciate the job that I've been doing all year round. Of course I want to come back. I don't want to go nowhere else. I want to stay with the Angels." Signing to a bargain-basement one-year, $5 million contract with $1 million in incentives over the winter, the 35-year-old outfielder batted .293/.390/.435 with 15 homers, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. His value in the Angels' clubhouse has been immeasurable, but his OPS and defense have faded in recent seasons. Even with some decline, he should be worth at least a two-year deal.

With Saturday's snow-out, Martinez was passed over in favor of southpaw J.A. Happ for Game 3 on Sunday. Martinez hasn't questioned manager Charlie Manuel's decision, but would like to get some work in for a possible start in the NLCS.