So far, so good for Rafael Furcal. 

Eric Collins did a week of practice games withDodgers television partner Steve Lyons. 

On paper, the red-hotDodgers seemed poised to roll into Houston and easily dispense with the struggling Astros to extend their eight-game winning streak. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers looked like they were on their way to another easy victory in the first inning in Houston. 

Manny Ramirez is swinging a hot bat, but he and the Los Angeles Dodgers will have to try and start a new winning streak. 

The Houston Astros snapped the Los Angeles Dodgers' eight-game winning streak and nearly lost their closer in the process. 

When Matt Cain takes the mound to face the Padres tonight, he has a chance to move into a tie for second place on one of theSanFranciscoGiants' career lists. 

The way Matt Kemp hits a Baseball in the air remindsDodgers Manager Joe Torre of the way Alex Rodriguez hits them. 

--2B Orlando Hudson already has six multiple-hit games this season, and he enters Tuesday night's series opener at Houston riding a six-game hitting streak during which he is batting . 

Although the Dodgers are the clear class of the National League West with a lineup that is even more productive than it was predicted to be and a rotation, bullpen and bench that have all come through for the most part, one concern is injuries. 

For all the credit the Dodgers' potent lineup is getting for the team's early season run to the top of the National League West, the pitching staff has contributed almost as much. 

After their offense keyed a perfect season-opening homestand, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to carry over that success at the plate to the road. 

LOS ANGELES - Back on a chilly, gray day in early February,Rockies owner Charlie Monfort spoke about expectations. 

LOS ANGELES - With homers and dreadlocks flying, plus miscues in the outfield, it was definitely a very Manny day at Dodger Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Although the Dodgers are the clear class of the National League West with a lineup that is even more productive than it was predicted to be and a rotation, bullpen and bench that have all come through for the most part, one concern is injuries.