WORLD SERIES PREVIEW: Yankees vs. Phillies
by: John Hobart ‘10The 2009 World Series sets up as a classic matchup of the National League’s best against the American League’s best. The Yankees finally got their money’s worth after spending an absurd amount in the offseason. To put it into perspective, they committed $441 million dollars to free agents while the other 13 American League teams committed just $176 million, combined. The Phillies aren’t cheap either, with the league’s 7th highest payroll (the Yankees are first if you hadn’t already guessed that). The bottom line is that both teams have made sound investments, and both teams deserve to be in the World Series. Let’s break down the teams and see who deserves to win.
Lineups: Looking at these two lineups is almost a joke. They both look like all star teams, and they both hit a lot of home runs. Each team led their league in homeruns and has continued to hit the long ball in the postseason. The home runs will come in abundance, but a series like this will rely on the little things. Speed, small ball, and timely hitting will determine the winner of this series. While the Phillies have a lot of speed at the top in Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, the Yankees have the advantage from top to bottom. One big factor will be shutting down the opposing team’s clean-up hitter. Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Howard have both been on fire this postseason. A-Rod will not be figured out; he is simply too hot right now. Ryan Howard is easier as he has more weaknesses… pitch him inside! Also, look for Mark Teixeira to break out of his postseason slump. Advantage: Yankees 
Starting Pitchers: Both teams are blessed with having a legitimate ace at the top of their rotation. The Yankees CC Sabathia and the Phillies Cliff Lee have been unhittable this postseason, going a combined 5-0 with miniscule ERAs. What happens when these two guys are not on the mound will be a huge factor in the series. The #2 pitchers are A.J. Burnett for the Yankees and, recently announced, Pedro Martinez for the Phillies. Burnett has struggled with his control throughout the playoffs but has the potential to dominate. Pedro has an interesting history with Yankees fans. He will be heckled throughout the game, but is the kind of pitcher who can thrive in that kind of environment. Game 3 will match Cole Hamels of the Phils with Andy Pettitte, the new all-time leader in Postseason wins. Game 4 will be Joe Blanton for the Phils and most likely Sabathia on short rest for the Yankees. If Sabathia can again dominate on short rest, the Yankees have a big advantage here. Advantage: Yankees
Bullpens: What make the playoffs fun is that both bullpens will rely heavily on pitchers who were starters in the regular season. JA Happ of the Phillies is a leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year and will be available for long relief or a 7th or 8th inning hold. Next comes the hard throwing Ryan Madson in the 8th inning, followed by closer Brad Lidge. Lidge was very shaky in the regular season put has been perfect in the playoffs. For the Yankees, their 7th and 8th innings have been dominated by young, former starters. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain have done an excellent job getting the ball to closer Mariano Rivera. If Rivera gets the ball, game over. He is the best closer in the history of the game and one of the best players in postseason history. Advantage: Yankees
So, from this report it looks like the Yankees will dominate the series and they very easily could. They do not lose at home very often, so a 2-0 lead is very possible. Then, going to Philadelphia for Game 3 they face Hamels who may not be up to the task against Pettitte. Going into game 4 on Sunday, Sabathia comes back on 3 days rest to close the door and the Yankees sweep. While a sweep is possible, it is not likely. The Phillies could very easily win Game 1 if Lee remains as dominant as he has been, and don’t count on them to lose 2 in a row at home. In an exciting, high scoring series, the Yankees will win the Fall Classic 4-2 and bring home their unbelievable 27th World Series title. Note: Games 1 and 2 will have already been played when this article is printed.
Related posts:
Loading ...