Turnpike Series Preview: Phillies vs. Yankees

Finally here it is, the Fall Classic, and what a heavyweight bout this should be. This match-up excites me more than any other World Series I have been alive for. These teams are pretty evenly matched. To break it down some I will go position for position.

Catcher

Carlos Ruiz has played well, Jorge Posada is way better. Jose Molina won’t be making appearances any more.

Edge: Yankees

First Base

Mark Teixeira might be right behind Pujols as the best first baseman in the game. However, this postseason he hasn’t really been his regular season self in the batter’s box. His slick glove has however made up for his lack of offense, saving some big runs and hits. Ryan Howard has been the A-Rod of the NL this postseason. I don’t see him stopping in the World Series, especially at Yankee Stadium.

Edge: Phillies

Second Base

Robinson Cano has played well and made some great plays defensively, but Chase Utley is arguably the best second baseman in the game. Utley needs to be more productive than he has been during these playoffs.

Edge: Phillies (Slightly)

Shortstop

Other than his trash talking, Jimmy Rollins hasn’t done much this post season. Jeter is Jeter and he’s even more than that during the playoffs. No question who is better here.

Edge: Yankees

Third Base

Pedro Feliz plays some stellar defense. Alex Rodriguez is playing out of his mind. Game 7, bottom 9, 2 out, I want A-Rod up over Jeter. Yeah, I said it.

Edge: Yankees (100X Over)

Left Field

Raul Ibanez has had a career year with the Phillies this season. he is a real threat. Johnny Damon has finally started to hit and woke from his postseason slumber. His experience also makes him very dangerous. Damon is more dangerous.

Edge: Yankees

Center Field

Melky Cabrera has been hitting great during the ALCS and has done very well defensively. Shane Victorino is hitting better and is one of Phillies opposing teams fear most.

Edge: Phillies

Right Field

Nick Swisher hasn’t done much this post season. Jayson Werth hasn’t been that stellar either but still better than Swisher.

Edge: Phillies

The DH will only factor in 2-4 games in this series. Yankees get the edge because Matsui is far & beyond better than any bench player for Philadelphia and better than many Phillies starters.

Starting Pitching

Cliff Lee is one of the best aces in the game and will be dominant in the World Series. Pedro Martinez starting in Yankee Stadium is great theater and I feel he will either be old Pedro owned by the Yankees in the playoffs or older Pedro who was so dominant for the Red Sox, chants will be plenty either way. Cole Hammels is a shell of his 08 self and Joe Blanton does nothing for me. Hammels is the key to the Phillies repeating.

The trouble for Lee is that he will be matched up with an equally as dominant ace, former teammate, CC Sabbathia. Andy Pettitte has shown why he has the most wins in post season history. A.J. Burnett needs to contain his Jekel & Hyde performance. Just like Hammels, Burnett’s performance(s) during this World Series could be the key to victory for the Yankees.  The big issue here is the fourth starter. Sabbathia can’t start on short rest without either having Chad Gaudin, who has pitched 1 inning since the playoffs started, start a game or have Pettitte and Burnett go on short rest. Rather than have two pitchers with past injury issues go on short rest, I would probably start Sabbathia on short rest in game 4 and have Gaudin start game 5. This gives Pettitte & Burnett ample rest and let’s Sabbathia start a Game 7 instead of Burnett. Gaudin starting a game is still a very big weakness for the Yankees this series.

The Yankees are in better shape I think because of their front three, the Phillies have only Lee and maybe Martinez. Hammels is the wild card.

Edge: Yankees

Bullpen

Brad Lidge has shown to be reliable this postseason. If I were a Phillies fan, I would still be terrified when this bullpen comes in late against this Yankees lineup. The Yank’s bullpen which has been a strong point all season has shown some weakness this postseason, especially with the bridge to Mariano Rivera. Chamberlain and Hughes have not been as reliable as everyone believed they would be during these playoffs. Rivera is Rivera though and automatically gives the Yankees the edge here no matter what. Though constant 6 out saves should worry Yankee fans. That was his undoing in that epic game 7 in the 2001 World Series.

Edge: Yankees

Manager

Joe Girardi has unquestionably done a fantastic job this year with the Yankees, regardless of some questionable over managing during this year’s ALCS. Charlie Manuel has done this already, Girardi hasn’t, bottom line.

Edge: Phillies

Phillies Key To Success: Cole Hammels- The Phillies need him to be 2008 version.

Yankees Key To Success: A.J. Burnett- With Gaudin possibly getting a start, the Yankees can’t afford to have a shaky performance from Burnett. He will need to work well with Posada, because that security blanket of personal catcher Jose Molina is gone.

Prediction: NYY Over PHI in 7 Games- A little different from Rollins’ prediction.