Could it really be? Is it just possible the Dodgers actually do have an ace?

Do not laugh, crack wise or even roll the eyes.

First take a moment to just consider the possibility that the Dodgers actually do have an ace.

And his name is Vicente Padilla.

Right, the guy everyone snickered at when Manager Joe Torre named him his opening-day starter. The guy who started the season 1-1 with a 6.65 ERA before going on the disabled list for almost two months with nerve problems in his elbow.

Also the right-hander on a rather remarkable roll, and almost the only good thing to come out of the mire the Dodgers found themselves in during their tortuous four-game skid in St. Louis.

Padilla looked like a Dodgers’ stopper Sunday, throwing six shut-out innings. Innings that should have been rewarded with a victory, but for that incredible bullpen meltdown.

He has been a different pitcher in the six starts since coming of the DL, and just shy of brilliant in his last four starts, going 3-0 with a 0.97 ERA.

Padilla held the Cardinals to just one hit and wasn’t even overpowering. In keeping with an L.A. rotation theme in St. Louis, he stuck out only one. He walked five, but three came in his final inning, the sixth.

His start was easy to miss in the hand-wringing that followed the collapse and the Cardinals' sweep of the four-game series.
 
Padilla also threw eight shutout innings in his previous start against the Cubs, and now hasn’t allowed a run in his last 14 innings.

This is a lot closer to the Padilla the Dodgers signed last August after he was released by the Rangers, the Padilla who went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in eight games.

And right now, a lot closer to an ace than anyone else who’s stepping up for the Dodgers.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Comments

[Philbert]

It would be hard to take the "Ace" status away from Padilla who has turned out to be one of Ned's luckiest pick-ups. He has certainly been the most reliable Dodger pitcher since his arrival. Can The Nedster pull another rabbit out of his hat?

[Phineas]

Also, don't forget his start against the Yankees a few Fridays ago. One "mistake" to Alex Rodriguez; otherwise, a terrific start against one of the best hitting teams in the league.

[LakeShow]

tHIS GUY IS A WORK HORSE. TOO BAD THEY DONT GIVE HIM ENOUGH CREDIT

[Since '58]

Only guy on the staff with cojones. The Waddling Wuss could learn something from him.

[16blows]

An 'ace' by any other name on the dudgers be called 'bandage'...

[steve turner]

It appears the Dodgers are a bit afraid to shine right now. with all the trade talk some players are probably laying low on the highlight reel. I cant remember the last time a player couldn't pinpoint an exact muscle that was cramping up. "It was the whole leg". Loney said. Nonone wants to leave a contender. They might end up in Canada or Washington or some other place other than nice warm L.A. Faking an injury or dropping a few points on the batting avg. could be worth it to stay with a contender. I remember the Giants team that went to the world series lost their entire lineup a week before the trade deadline. No trades were made that year to the chagrin of untradeable Barry Bonds. A few days after the deadline past almost all the players were back. So Dodger fans lets just hope this recent slide is just temporary and we'll see the unafraid to produce Dodgers back.

[steve turner]

I liked Ned picking up Padilla last year. I thought he helped a great deal. He has been able to control his emotions and has done well. As far as an ace, that remains to be seen. If you look at Kershaws numbers Compared to linsecum, they are very simular. At the end of the year I could see more than just Padilla being considered for the honor.

[Casey Reschert]

Yes, you gotta tip your cap to the job Padilla has done. He has guts and is not afraid to go after hitters. Billingsley is a wimp in comparison and his teammates know it.