Pac-10 Pros Three Stars of the Week: Andre Ethier, Andre Carter, Chase Utley
# 1 Star: Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers
Alma Mater: Arizona State
Stats (10/7 – 10/10): 5 Runs, 2 Home Runs, 3 RBIs, .500 AVG
The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to go only as far as their right fielder Andre Ethier’s bat takes them. In the final 12 games of the regular season the Dodgers went 5-7 and looked to be going in the wrong direction with Ethier going 3-for-34 during the slide with one home run and five RBIs.
Things changed quickly come playoff time though, and during the Dodgers three game sweep of the Cardinals, Andre Ethier led the way batting .500 with two home runs, two doubles, one triple, five runs, and three RBIs.
Ethier’s two home runs both proved to be critical in the outcomes of those games, and if he can keep this hot streak going, it would definitely help the Dodgers in their efforts to knock off the defending champs.
#2 Star: Andre Carter, Washington Redskins
Alma Mater: Cal
Stats (10/11): 6 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Deflection
In what has been a largely disappointing season so far for the Washington Redskins, it was nice to see a big performance from defensive end Andre Carter.
In the 20 – 17 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Andre Carter had six tackles, two and a half sacks, one forced fumble and one pass deflection. Carter’s two and a half sacks this week were ranked second to only James Harrison and his three for Pittsburgh.
As Washington’s offense continues to struggle, Andre Carter and the defense will have to continue to play at a high level to give the Redskins a chance to win each week.
#3 Star: Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
Alma Mater: UCLA
Stats (10/7 – 10/12): 5 Runs, 1 Home Run, 1 RBI, 2 SBs, .429 AVG
The defending World Series Champions clinched the final spot in the NLCS Monday night, and Chase Utley proved to be a key factor the entire series.
Chase Utley finished the four game series with five runs, one home run, one RBI, two stolen bases and a .429 batting average. Utley’s five runs were tops on the Phillies during the series, and his two stolen bases also led the team.
Usually known for his power, Utley showed his versatility during this big series and if he stays hot with Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez behind him, the Phillies will be awfully tough to beat.
Honorable Mentions:
USC’s Matt Cassel (253 Yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 28 Rushing Yards)
Oregon State’s TJ Houshmandzadeh (5 Receptions for 77 Yards, 2 TDs)
Cal’s Marshawn Lynch (17 Carries for 69 Yards, 6 Receptions for 56 Yards, 0 TDs)
Arizona’s Antonio Pierce (8 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery)
Oregon’s Nick Reed (3 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 TD)
USC’s Terrell Thomas (4 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Deflection)
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