During the top of the 9th inning of Monday night’s exciting NLDS-clinching 4-3 win over the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium, something unusual happened – not unusual in the sense that it happened, but unusual in the sense that it happened in the top of the 9th inning after Dodgers star closer Kenley Jansen had already struck out Braves pinch hitter Jordan Schafer and had an 0-2 count on the very dangerous Jason Heyward and appeared to be in complete control of the situation.

Out of the blue, Dodger shortstop Hanley Ramirez suddenly called time out and jogged to the mound where he had a brief conversation with Jansen. It was clear that this wasn’t just a little chitchat session. In fact, it almost appeared as though Hanley was chewing Kenley’s butt which, as noted, was a little unusual under the circumstances. And while we may never know what was said between the two (nor is it really any of our business), whatever it was it definitely worked because Jansen not only struck out Heyward on the very next pitch, he also struck out the equally dangerous Justin Upton on three pitches to end the game and the series.

Although we may never know what was said, it is clear that Hanley Ramirez took charge of the situation in Monday night’s game. (Video capture courtesy of TBS Sports)

Infield visits to the mound in key situations are certainly nothing new for the Dodgers. In fact, it seems that there have been more mound visits by Dodger infielders this season than ever before. But this particular mound visit was different – it gave every indication that Ramirez has taken on a previously unseen role as a team leader – a role previously associated with Matt Kemp, or Adrian Gonzalez, or A.J. Ellis.

Whatever Hanley Ramirez told Kenley Jansen it worked big time, as Jansen struck out the side – including this final strike to Justin Upton to end the game and the series. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Prior to Wednesday’s off-day workout at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers held a press conference with Dodger manager Don Mattingly and general manager Ned Colletti. During the presser I mentioned Hanley’s somewhat unusual mound visit to Colletti and inquired if Hanley had, in fact, taken on a leadership role with the team.

“I can’t remember the last time I saw so many meetings like that on the mound with our infielders, which is like leadership across the board,” said Colletti. “I think that all four of the everyday guys are into that, but to get more specific to your question on Hanley, I think it goes with (Ramirez) being around longer, being comfortable in (his) situation and being able to recognize different things that need to be said and need to be pointed out in the heat of battle. One of our strengths is that we do have guys that feel that way.”

Colletti was also cognizant of the fact that there seems to have been more mound visits by Dodger infielders this season than in the past.

“They keep stats on everything,” Colletti added. “I don’t know if they keep stats on mound meetings but we’ve had so many situations where it got a little tense in the middle of a game and Adrian (Gonzales) will go to the mound and bring everybody with him, or Mark Ellis, or Juan (Uribe), or Hanley. I think that pays off, it shows a calmness and a togetherness. I’ve seen more of that this year than I can ever remember seeing by one team in one season.”

Whatever it is, or more importantly whoever it is, keep doing it guys.

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Wednesday’s off-day workout notes:

• Dodger manager Don Mattingly said that he is concerned about Paco Rodriguez’s recent struggles but added that he does not believe that Paco is injured. He added that the situation and match-ups will determine how and when he will use Paco going forward.
• Mattingly would not comment on what his starting rotation will be for the NLCS (beyond Greinke and Kershaw that is) but said that the chances of going with a three-man rotation were “none.”
• Mattingly said that Clayton Kershaw came out of his short-rest performance on Monday fine, with no issues whatsoever.
• Although Mattingly would not say that if plans to use Kershaw again in a short-rest situation, he is not afraid or worried about doing so.
• Mattingly said that Chris Capuano’s role in the NLCS is not in stone but said that he could be used as a spot starter if it became necessary.
• According to Mattingly, Ethier’s workouts on Wednesday and Thursday will determine his status for the NLCS.

Based on Wednesday’s workout session, it is very likely that Andre Ethier will start Game-1 of the NLCS against the Cardinals on Friday. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

• During Wednesday’s workout, outfielder Carl Crawford said “I love it here in L.A.”
• Mattingly said that right-hander Ricky Nolasco is definitely in the mix to start in the NLCS.

Nolasco looked sharp in his simulated game on Wednesday afternoon.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)