Another early playoff exit by the Los Angeles Dodgers assures their absence from the World Series for 28 years. The franchise that boasts six world championships - two each in the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s - and that had baseball's highest payroll of $289.6 million managed just two playoff victories before losing 3-2 to the New York Mets in a decisive Game 5 of their NL Division Series on Thursday night. Mattingly is under contract for one more season, but the Dodgers could decide to put their massive payroll in the hands of someone new.