There's a lot of things that can still go wrong for the Dodgers

So if the Dodgers blow this one, it would be unthinkable, unimaginable, untenable.

But not unprecedented.

In 1982, the Dodgers came home with 10 games left, a three-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, and confidence brimming.

They lost six straight games.

The likes of Steve Garvey and Dusty Baker and Pedro Guerrero combined to score only 13 runs in those six games.

A pitching staff featuring Fernando Valenzuela, Jerry Reuss, Bob Welch and Steve Howe blew leads in five of those six games.

They needed to win the last game in San Francisco to finish in a first-place tie.

Now batting, Joe Morgan.

Twenty-six years later, one notable participant in that pennant race is still active in this pennant race. The Braves' manager was a guy named Joe Torre.

The fact that he's on the other side of this one should make cautious Dodgers fans feel a little better, but only a little.

If it could happen to a defending World Series champion Dodgers team, it can happen to one that hasn't won a playoff series in 20 years.

Those of us who have painfully witnessed those 20 years have a Vin-given right to fret.

Nine games left, and here's nine things that can go wrong.

Cory Wade's arm: After retiring 24 consecutive hitters, he looked tired Thursday, allowing hits to three consecutive Pirates in nearly blowing the game.

Wade has become Joe Torre's new Jeff Nelson, an important middle reliever who will be constantly used down the stretch, a kid who "wows" but also makes you wonder.

How many innings has he pitched this late in a season before?

Answer: None.

Chad Billingsley's legs: He has now pitched 45 2/3 innings more than he has ever pitched in a season, every throw placing him on new ground, and how long can he stand?

In his last two starts, he has given up eight runs in 10 2/3 innings.

If that happens in his next two starts, it will be the Dodgers who stumble.

Derek Lowe's mortality: As I understand it, that is the only thing keeping him from starting and pitching in each of the last nine games, right?

Darn.

Matt Kemp's mind: He has had a terrific summer as a good clubhouse citizen and emerging player.