The 2008 Los Angeles Dodgers season featured the Dodgers celebrating their Golden Anniversary in Southern California under new manager Joe Torre as they won the National League West for the first time since 2004, and returned to the postseason after missing the playoffs in 2007. The Dodgers did not peak until September when the won 17-8, which was highlighted by the acquisition of superstar outfielder Manny Ramirez. Ramirez hit .396 with 17 HRs in 53 games after the trade on July 31st. They swept the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS to advance to the NLCS. It was their first playoff series win since 1988 when they went on to win the World Series. However, they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games in the NLCS. Season standings National League West Record vs. opponents Opening Day starters Notable transactions June 6, 2008 Acquired Ángel Berroa from the Kansas City Royals for Juan Rivera and cash. July 28, 2008 Acquired Casey Blake from the Cleveland Indians for Carlos Santana and Jon Meloan. July 31, 2008, Acquired Manny Ramirez from the Boston Red Sox in a 3-team trade, Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris went to the Pittsburgh Pirates. August 19, 2008, Acquired Greg Maddux from the San Diego Padres for two players to be named later or cash considerations. 2008 roster Game log |-align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 1 || March 31 || Giants || 5–0 || Penny (1–0) || Zito (0–1) || || 56,000 || 1–0 |-align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 2 || April 1 || Giants || 3–2 || Saito (1–0) || Yabu (0–1)|| || 44,054 || 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 3 || April 2 || Giants || 2–1 || Lincecum (1–0) || Loaiza (0–1) || Wilson (1) || 43,217 || 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 4 || April 4 || @ Padres || 7–1 || Kuroda (1–0) || Thatcher (0–1) || || 42,474 || 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 5 || April 5 || @ Padres || 4–1 ||Peavy (2–0) || Penny (1–1) || || 38,819 || 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 6 || April 6 || @ Padres || 3–2 || Broxton (1–0) || Hoffman (0–2) || Saito (1) || 44,165 || 4–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 7 || April 7 || @ Diamondbacks || 9–3 || Haren (1–0) || Loaiza (0–2) || || 49,507 || 4–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 8 || April 8 || @ Diamondbacks || 10–5 ||