LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Dodgers began the season poorly and then soared from last to first during a torrid 50-game stretch to make the playoffs for the first time in four years. The way they exited overshadowed it all. Los Angeles lost the NL championship series 4-2 to St. Louis on Friday night, with NL Cy Young Award favourite Clayton Kershaw turning in a rare clunker on the mound while getting no offence from teammates in a 9-0 defeat. It wasnt the ending sought by the team with baseballs second-highest payroll at the end of the regular season — more than $236 million. The Dodgers drought of World Series appearances now extends to 26 years. "Going through spring, the long season, and then it just comes to a crash, so its disappointing for all of us," manager Don Mattingly said. Now, the Dodgers face several decisions in the off-season, starting with Mattingly. He led the team to 92 wins and the NL West title in his contracts final guaranteed season. The 52-year-old manager is 261-226 in three seasons and the team holds a $1.4 million option for next year. "You all can question this move or that move, but nothing really caught me by surprise," he said about managing in his first playoffs. "I didnt feel overwhelmed by it." The Dodgers will be discussing new contracts for Kershaw and Hanley Ramirez, the teams best hitter who played hurt during the NLCS. Kershaw had the major leagues lowest ERA for the third straight season while pitching a career-high 259 innings between the regular season and the playoffs. He needed 48 pitches to get out of the third inning Friday, when he allowed four runs. The left-hander is entering his final year of salary-arbitration eligibility. "We had some good moments this year," Kershaw said. "Put together a good streak there toward the middle, but really unless you win the whole thing it doesnt make a difference." Ramirez has one year left on his contract. He hit .500 in the division series against Atlanta with six RBIs in four games. Then he got plunked by a pitch from Joe Kelly in Game 1 of the NLCS and was never the same. Ramirez broke his left rib and batted just .133, going 2 for 15 against the Cardinals. Among the teams dozen potential free agents are starters Ricky Nolasco and Edinson Volquez, along with bearded reliever Brian Wilson, who revived his career while bolstering the Dodgers bullpen. Relievers J.P. Howell and Carlos Marmol could leave, too, as well as infielder Juan Uribe, considered a clubhouse favourite by his teammates. The Dodgers bench could be facing a makeover, with veterans Jerry Hairston, Nick Punto, Skip Schumaker and Michael Young all eligible for free agency. "Whenever a season ends, no matter what, you know this entire group of guys wont be together next year," said catcher A.J. Ellis, whose .316 hitting proved a bright spot against St. Louis. "Its the last time these guys will be together in this room, and that hurts." Besides Ramirez, outfielder Andre Ethier was slowed by shin splints throughout the playoffs, when the Dodgers didnt have outfielder Matt Kemp. He spent the season on and off the disabled list, although his absence didnt prevent the clubs heralded turnaround in July and August. "Im really proud of my club," Mattingly said. "I felt like these guys hung in all year long." Rookie Yasiel Puig injected much-needed energy into the struggling club upon his arrival in early June. He nearly made the All-Star team, and his at-bats became must-see events. But the 22-year-old Cuban defector bottomed out against the Cardinals, going 5-for-22 with 10 strikeouts, and committed two errors in Game 6, when he made a pair of terrible throws and allowed Yadier Molinas single to bounce off his glove and skip away. "Weve got to do a better job of helping him to mature and understand what we want done and the way to do it," Mattingly said. The Dodgers won the NL West by 11 games over Arizona, their biggest margin since the team moved West from Brooklyn after the 1957 season. But they failed to earn home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Dodgers lost all three of their road games in St. Louis. "One of the key things is to try to get that home-field advantage so it doesnt happen like this," said infielder Adrian Gonzalez, who batted .300 against the Cardinals. "You cant win if you dont win on the road, especially if you dont have home-field advantage." Rod Carew Jersey . - Dolphins safety Louis Delmas has been carted off the field with a right knee injury against the Ravens. Jose Berrios Twins Jersey . They were expecting him there all along. 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Poti played in 824 regular NHL games with four teams in his career; the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, New York Islanders and the Washington Capitals.Valentino Rossi will race on until near his 40th birthday after signing a contract with Yamaha through the 2018 MotoGP season. The 37-year-old, nine times a world champion since beginning his career in the 125cc class in 1996, rejoined the Japanese team in 2013 and finished runner-up in the championship to team-mate Jorge Lorenzo last year.Rossi kicks off the 2016 campaign in Qatar this weekend, aiming to repeat his 2015 win at Losail, and made the much-anticipated announcement about his future before qualifying. I am very happy to announce that Yamaha and I have extended our contract and will continue working together in MotoGP for the next two years, Rossi said in a statement.I am very satisfied with this decision, because it has always been my plan to compete in motorsports for as long as I can be competitive and find it enjoyable at the same time.Ever since I returned to Yamaha in 2013 I have felt like I am home again and this showwed in the results.dddddddddddd I get great enjoyment out of working with my crew and the rest of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team.Their support for me has known no limit and I want to thank them sincerely for that. Im feeling greatly motivated to keep riding my YZR-M1 for the best results possible, this year and the following two seasons.Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis added: I believe the confirmation of the extension with Valentino will be music to the ears of Yamaha fans and MotoGP fans around the world. I cannot think of a better way to start a new season than for both parties to make this strong commitment. When Vale returned home in 2013 it was a decision for life. This new agreement confirms that Vale will indeed finish his motorcycle racing career with Yamaha. Before that however all Yamaha fans can enjoy three full seasons of exciting performances from the Doctor as he challenges to win his tenth world title. ' ' '