It’s one of the most poetic (and prophetic) quotes that Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully has ever uttered, and it’s one that you just never forget.

“They pitched to the one guy who could beat them, and he does.”

Even though Vinny was referring to former Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp the last time he said it on April 17, 2011 after Kemp hit a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning off of Cardinals reliever Ryan Franklin, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly may want write it in black Sharpie on the palm of his hand for each of the next three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

The one guy, of course, is Dbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who just so happens to own the second best batting average in the National League (fourth-best in all of baseball) at .349. He has also hit 20 home runs so far this season – fifth-most in the league. And if that isn’t enough to put fear in the minds of Dodger pitchers (and Dodger fans), Goldschmidt’s 62 RBIs – third most in the NL – certainly should.

Goldschmidt has a career triple slash of .335 / .392 / .599 / for a .991 OPS with 17 home runs against the Dodgers. Enough said.
(Photo credit – Mark J. Terrill)

The point here is that should Paul Goldschmidt come to the plate over the next three games with an opportunity to be the one guy who can beat them, Mattingly must… absolutely must pitch around him. For if he does not, and even though it (unfortunately) will not be Vin Scully calling the games on SportsNet LA, you can bet that it Goldie beats the Dodgers. Vinny’s quote will be painfully resonating in the minds of every Dodger fan everywhere.

Do the right thing, Don.