LOS ANGELES -- Another early playoff exit by the Los Angeles Dodgers assures their absence from the World Series for 28 years.
The franchise that boasts six world championships - two each in the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s - and that had baseball's highest payroll of $289.6 million managed just two playoff victories before losing 3-2 to the New York Mets in a decisive Game 5 of their NL Division Series on Thursday night.
Who's to blame? The players are adamant it's not manager Don Mattingly.
"He had nothing to do with this," left fielder Kike Hernandez said.