Playoff Preview: Rockies @ Phillies
Posted by Antonio Antenucci on October 7, 2009
The Rockies have had an incredible run since firing Clint Hurdle and being 10 games under .500 earlier in the year to hiring Jim Tracy and finishing 22 games above .500. However, they will have their hands full with the reigning World Champions Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies have the high powered offense with Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, & Shane Victorino. They also have one of the best 1-2 punches in their starting rotation with Cole Hammels and Cliff Lee. J.A Happ also waiting later in the series is pretty scary. A big question is whether Hammels can be as clutch and as great as he was last postseason after struggling somewhat this season. Closer (or ex-closer) Brad Lidge shouldn’t come anywhere near a 9th inning during this postseason. The biggest weakness on this Phillies team may be that they don’t have a dependable closer like all the other playoff teams have.
The Rockies power their way into October, coming in as the surprise team to win the Wild Card for the second time in the past three years. After they traded Matt Holliday during last offseason, I never believed the Rockies had a chance. Though this Rockies team’s offense isn’t as awesome as the 2007 version, it’s still a good one. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki powers this team along with outfielder Brad Hawpe and veteran Todd Helton. The Rockies pitching might be their strength. Ubaldo Jimenez and Jason Marquis have been great for the Rox this season, and Aaron Cook has been pitching well also. At least trading Holliday has paid off somewhat this season with getting dependable closer Huston Street, which gives them an edge over the Phillies at that position.
Phillies Key To Success: Closer-Last year Brad Lidge was as much as a sure thing in the 9th inning as any closer. This year, not so much. Not having a good closer in October is very dangerous.
Rockies Key To Success: Ubaldo Jimenez- He has to be the ace the Rockies need him to be to compete with the Phillies pitching staff.
Prediction: PHI Over COL In 4 Games- I think the superior Phillies offense and starting pitching will be overpower the Rockies.
