These two series will frame the NL West stretch run

As long as the Dodgers have Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, no team should want to draw them in the playoffs. By Owen Main

It’s only six games and it’s not even the end of August yet, but the National League stretch run will be set-up by the next two series for both the Dodgers and Giants.

For their part, the Dodgers are in the midst of two series against play two playoff-caliber teams.

First, the Cubs come to town. Joe Maddon’s team has a bevy of young stars and would be in the playoffs if they started today.

After the weekend series against the Cubbies, the Dodgers will host the Giants, who have kind of had their number so far this season.

The Giants, meanwhile, host the National League’s best team — the St. Louis Cardinals — before heading down to Los Angeles for their showdown with the Dodgers. A good effort over the weekend and a series victory could have them even closer to the NL West lead.

By Wednesday night, the Dodgers may have strengthened their 2 1/2 game lead over the Giants or lost it altogether.

Rivals in this division’s close race are starting to play each other head-to-head as the season winds down. It’s unlikely both the Dodgers and Giants will make the playoffs, so games start to mean a little more. I guess what I’m saying is that it might be a good week to pay attention to baseball if you’re a Dodgers or Giants fan.

My prediction: things aren’t actually going to change that much. By Wednesday night, the Dodgers will have a 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 game lead and the stretch run will be as exciting as ever. The baseball season is a long one, but these little stretches are ones to pay close attention to.