Playoff Preview

Lee Smith, rhp. Pure 95-mph power, better down stretch than earlier in year. Intimidating, but never pitches inside.

DODGER:

Steve Sax, 2b. Offensive catalyst. Aggressive, up-the-middle fastball hitter who steals bases. Good range to left, but has chronic throwing problems.

Alfredo Griffin, ss. Top fielder, but right hand broken by Gooden pitch in May still hurts his hitting. Loved by teammates because he plays at 78 rpm.

Kirk Gibson lf. League's most dangerous big-situation player. Mets got him out moving fastballs up and in. Deadly hunter, gets big walks, steals.

Mike Marshall, rf. Kills mediocre fastballs, pitches away and mistakes. Anyone who throws inside at more than 85 mph (all Mets starters) can get him out.

John Shelby, cf. Dead fastball hitter. He swings at everything, so pitchers start him off at letters and finish him with balls over his helmet.

Jeff Hamilton, 3b. The postseason sleeper. Likes to pull and can hit high fastball or hanging breaking ball. Outstanding arm.

Mike Scioscia, c. Team leader. Superb receiver, handles pitchers well, can throw out good base stealers, would block the plate on William Perry.

Franklin Stubbs, 1b. Dead lowball hitter with big-time power, but easily handled: can only hit pitch from the kneecap down.