OKAY SO YOU ARE A QUALITY SKIPPER AND YOU CAN HAVE EITHER THE BOSTON, CHICAGO, OR ST LOUIS JOB. WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

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Frankly this is a tough choice. Here’s why.

BOSTON PROS AND CONS:

1. A committed organization. Their success is measured by World Series titles. Which is a blessing and a curse. You will get players and fans but if you don’t look like you can win it all you’re gone. Which by the way is the way I prefer.

2. Media circus. Don’t read the local papers or indulge the local media. Boston is very much like Philadelphia when it comes to media scrutiny.

3. Always in the hunt. As long as the Henry’s run the show it appears that the culture will remain and if you’re a manager you can’t ask for anything more!

4. Nice city but Northeast has its weather drawbacks.

5. You win you get some nice perks.

ST LOUIS PROS AND CONS:

1. A committed organization. Much like Boston only the Cardinals have had more World Series wins [11 for Cardinals and 7 for Red Sox]  and appearances. [18 for Cardinals to 12 for Red Sox]

2. Far less media and fan frenzied pressure but the same support.

3. Do not have the cash that Boston and Chicago has.

4. Always in the hunt for the most part.

5. Treated well in a solid city. Weather better than Boston or Chicago.

CHICAGO PROS AND CONS:

1. Money no object but poor upper management. Presumably Theo Epstein will change that.

2. Tradition is coll but not that of winning. 16 World Series appearances but all by 1945! 2 World Series titles but in 1908 and 1907!

3. Win a World Series and you will be bronzed forever! Maybe even gold plated!

4. Chicago is a really really cool city but the weather bites. Worse than Boston in my opinion!

5. Probably the least pressure of the 3 jobs and yet with a good chance to succeed at that!

So what’s the best job? On paper Chicago because of the lack of pressure to win. But for me I would take Boston because it’s for all the cookies and everyone knows that, including your players!

YOU?  andynatalie@yahoo.com

CARDINALS STEAL A WIN TO FORCE A GAME 7 AND I AM ONLY MILDLY CURIOUS!

I’M STILL ANGRY FROM PHILLIES SUDDEN DEPARTURE ………………………

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I ACTUALLY CAUGHT A LITTLE WORLD SERIES ACTION ON THURSDAY NIGHT AND CHECKED OUT BEFORE IT REALLY GOT CRAZY!

It is kind of sad because I am a baseball freak. That is the most telling thing and what the Phillies squad should regret the most. They stole a passion from us. Of course some would argue that I am just unstable to let the Phillies losing ruin baseball in 2011 for me. And I would agree but its’ not that they lost it is the way they lost. And it is the harsh reality of what I feared and the fear that moving ahead those fears will continue as players age and players move on.

I also wish and pray that some of them watched Pujols not try and be the hero and stay within himself and show what a great player will do. He will take what the opponent gives him! Did you get that message Utley, Howard, Victorino, and perhaps Rollins?

So what’s the talk of the Phillies today? It is obviously the future, still ………………………..

But for now we have to wait on some decisions looming over Ruben’s desk. Some of which he cannot start with until after World Series.

Which reminds me of what I wanted to whine about. The World Series won’t end until October 28! This is ridiculous in  my view. MLB really needs to change this. What are the options?

1. Start season in March? – problem is their is bad/cold weather in a lot of cities then
2. Shave a week in regular season? – yes either cut 6 games from 162 or schedule some mandatory double headers like the good ole days
3. Make all stadiums have retractable roofs? – Why not? Oh and you are not obligated to use the roof unless it is absolutely in need for you so called purists

Personally I think all stadiums should have retractable roofs. I would just use it however when it is raining/snowing or extremely cold. And new designs do no take away from the appearance of the classic style!

I would also shorten season by 1 week with double headers and would not object to 156 games or even going back to 154 games. I do not believe it would hurt broadcasting that much.

The 2011 World Series reportedly is one of the least watched however it has gained some steam. In fact reports say the cancellation of Game 6 helped. In fact I said this to anyone who would listen that they were smart to jump the potential rain stoppage to help viewer numbers. And then the fact it was a monster game only helped!

I heard Tony LaRussa called for snow and got rain. I also read he called Domino’s Pizza too order a pepperoni and he got a sausage pizza from Papa John’s. Poor guy.

My gut feeling is that the season ultimately was a failure. Yes for me, by definition, you either reach your goal or you don’t! The Phillies failed to finish the job at hand.

Now don’t get me wrong you can leave Philly with a goal to reach LA for a vacation and break down and have to turn around in Memphis and you have failed to reach your destination. But that doesn’t meant the ride wasn’t fun or worth it.

SO to the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies I stand and  applaud.

You gave us another great run. You came up short in a 7 to 3 Game 6 loss in Yankees stadium. But you brought us to that moment and we had hope that you could get the job done. That is saying something. The fact people talked about a Game 7 with a straight face is something to feel positive about.

On Wednesday night you sent out an aging wonder in Pedro Martinez and you crossed your fingers he could recapture a moment. He didn’t have it. And by the time he seemed like he might be loosening up, it was too late.

He got through the first with strings and mirrors and then walked Alex Rodriguez to lead of the 2nd. Which lead off walks are never forgiving. And thus Hideki Matsui punished Pedro with a 2 run HR.

For the Yankees Andy Pettitte was coming off a short rest period. Frankly I thought he was very hittable but the Phillies bats did not respond that way. In the top of the 3rd Carlos Ruiz hit a triple however with just 1 out. Jimmy Rollins drove him in with a sac fly for 1 run but that was it for the inning.

In the bottom of the 3rd Jeter singled with one out and Damon walked. Honestly as far as I was concerned Pedro was done and He should have been yanked right then and there. But Charlie did not flinch. Then Pedro nails Teixeira with a pitch to load the bases. Now what do you do?

Again I’m taking him out. He I get the guile and all that but his pitches were dead all 3 innings and it didn’t look like that was changing dramatically enough. He did grit his way to K A-Rod though. Manuel still leaving him in then watched Matsui, who already homered off of him, hit a 2 out 2 RBI single and it’s suddenly 4 to 1 NY!

Pettitte continued to scuffle but the Phillies kept sleep walking through their at bats. Chad Durbin came on in relief of Martinez but he was all over the place to. He promptly surrendered another Yankees run and then Happ came on so he could out do Durbin and surrender 2 runs. It was cruise control time for NY as they saw the look of defeat in the Phillies.

Ryan Howard finally got a hit by way of a 2 run homer but no one cared by then. The Yankees brought in Mariano Rivera who gets in teams minds and they crinkle like tin foil.

Through out the course of the game the Phillies had their opportunities to make a game of it but they continued their habit of not coming up with clutch hits.

Phillies RISP:0-6 (P Feliz 0-4, C Utley 0-1, S Victorino 0-1)
Team LOB: 8

Yes there were plenty of times when the Phillies did come up with big hits, but overall this was an Achilles heel since mid August especially.

SO there we have it the Phillies fall 2 wins shy of their destiny.

We will look back to the season over the coming days, but for now we will wallow in our frustration but tell the boys to hold their heads high for at least being on the brink.

Hey the car just broke down fella’s …………. go get it next season!

THANKS FOR THE RIDE!

And the crowd roars and Lake Placid shakes like a Frisco Quake!

Great moments are born from great opportunity.

add: And it don’t get bigger than the World Series fella’s

And that’s what you have here tonight, boys.

add: Doggonit!

That’s what you’ve earned here, tonight.
One game.

add: One good ole back yard scrum, there is no tomorrow

If we played ‘em ten times, they might win nine.

add: okay maybe more like 6, but you get the point

But not this game. Not tonight.
Tonight, we skate with ‘em.

add: and on top of that we out pitch them, out hit them, and out run them!

Tonight, we stay with ‘em, and we shut them down because we can!

add: we have before but we have to again, right now, right here!

Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.

add: and the greatest baseball team, the World Friggin Champions!

You were born to be hockey players — every one of ya.

add: except maybe you Martinez, but definately you Canada Boy Stairs. But you were all born to be baseball players!

And you were meant to be here tonight.

add: although baseball ain’t supposed to be played in November, but it is tonight.

This is your time.

add: and you have the say in who’s time it is

Their time — is done. It’s over.
I’m sick and tired of hearin’ about what a great hockey team the Soviets have.

add: and the Red Wings too! But I’m even sicker of the love fest with the New York Yankees and the 26 Rings and the $200 billion, their crappy cheese cake, Ellis Island, the Empire State building, Broadway, the UN, Madison Square Garden, Jeter Jeter pumpkin eater, A-Fraud, Babe Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, DiMaggio, Reggie, the wisdom of Yogi, the lame NY Post and the Kate Hudson River!

Screw ‘em!

add: Screw ‘em all.

This is your time!!

add: It’s Louisville time! It’s Pedro time! It’s any darn arm I call from the pen time! It’s Phillies time!

Now go out there and take it!

add: Cause gosh darnit it’s yours!

The magical wizardry of Cliff Lee was dormant and the short rest and sharpness of A J Burnett was gone also. For what it is worth Lee did out pitch Burnett.

The score would suggest that the Phillies bats came alive. And at moments they did. But they still got out hit by the Yankees 10 hits to 9. Hopefully that means the Phillies still have a 15 hit 10 run game in them for Game 6. Because that is the only game that matters now and Pedro Martinez is unlikely to throw a gem at this point. Thankfully the Yankees are bringing Andy Pettitte back on short rest. And he did not pitch that good in Game 3 overall. He should be vulnerable.

 Any way, we’re back on the horse!

That means no excuses. Rollins, Utley and Ibanez got it going tonight. And you know the drill, when Rollins scores Phillies usually win. Chase Utley went deep twice for the second time in this series.   Okay say these two names together Chase Utley and Reggie Jackson. Yeah they both hold the record for most HR’s in one World Series, 5! And Utley has at least one more game to break the record.

  Raul Ibanez also rocked a nice solo bomb in the 7th.

The game started off a bit on the shaky side when Lee struggled in the top of the first when A-Rod doubled in Johnny Damon who had singled earlier. Right away Yankees 1 to 0. But hold on there.

 A New York minute later and the Phillieswere leading 3 to 1. J-Roll led off with a single and Burnett beaned Victorino to put men on for Chase who promptly hit a 3 run HR!

Things quieted down for an inning and in fact Lee crusied through the top of the 3rd also. But Burnett walked Utley and Howard to lead off the bottom of the 3rd. . Werth and Ibanez then each drove in a run to make it 5 to 1 Phillies. Burnett’s night was done as Joe Girardi gave him the heave ho.

With 1 out the Phillies managed one more run to make it 6 to 1. At this point my family wanted to disown me for being a buzz-kill. I said “this is not enough!” The Yankees smell the blood and they are not worried in the least at this point. They won 2 out of 3 in Philly, so what if they have to go back to NY. So I had no doubt they were going to play loose and push the envelope.

Lee made me look stupid though as he cruised through the 4th. However the Yankees David Robertson also shut the Phillies down in the bottom half. In the top of the 5th Lee walked journeyman Eric Hinske and gave up a single to Derek Jeter. Johnny Damon made Lee pay for the walk to make it 6 to 2 Phillies.

Phillies were stymied in the bottom of the 5th and both teams were shut out in the 6th.

Lee had a good 7th and the Phillies woke up for a brief moment in the bottom of the 7th when Utley and Ibanez bothstruck gold for solo Homers. Howard who has had his head in the sand lately tied the record for most strike outs in a World Series with 12 K’s. But it was 8 to 2 nevertheless, Philadelphia.

And no I still did not think that was enough. And on cue Lee started elevating and Damon singled and Teixeiratattooed a double. Rodriguez then was credited with a double that I believe was an error on Ibanez. Not to be harsh but Ibanez clearly got a late jump on the ball and the ball hit Ibanez in the glove. Yes Ibanez was diving, but he had to dive because he misplayed the ball whcih that is usually not counted as an error, but the fact that the ball plunked him dead on the glove is an error in my book. Hey I played the outfield, I would have wanted the error so my pitcher doesn’t get tagged for earned runs I was responsible for.

Anyhow just like that it’s 8 to 4! Lee takes his leave. Then the Chan came on to clean up. With A-Rod on third Robinson Cano hit a lazy fly to center and Ben Francisco I thought did not line up his approach correctly to make a deadly throw to get a tagging A-Rod. A strong throw nails him, in my opinion. I’m not saying that was an error of course. I just thought that Ben Francisco was a little lax on the fundamentals on that one. Now it’s 8 to 5, Phillies.

The Philliesanswered with squatta in the bottom of the 8th. And then on came Ryan Mad Dog Madson. Now let me exercise full disclosure and admit I was going to go to bed at this point and read about the 9th the next day. For 1 because I thought Manuel might be stupid enough to bring Lidgein and 2 I am not exactly in love with Madson in that position. Plus Madson had already pitched 3 straight nights.

Out came Madson. And my family made me sit down and risk heart failure. Right away I felt queasy as Madson was elevating everything. He gives up a lead off double to Posada and a single to Matsui. I was unconscious within seconds. As I was being revived Jeter hit into a double play although Posada did score to make it 8 to 6.

 And the nightmare wasn’t over. Johnny Damon then singled as if to say “we say when this is over” and give Madson the “strawberry”.

But Mad Dog finally started throwing some pitches downhill and he got Teixeira to chase some nice pitches that started up and went down in a hurry.

I celebrated with oxygen and remember thinking “we live to fight another day!”

From down the hall you can hear the fat lady getting ready to sing as the Yankees are intimidating a team I thought could never be intimidated.

The Hamels debacle continues as did some of the other ongoing problems but for the first time in a very, very long time I have seen defeat in the face of too many of the Phillies. As a result the Phillies took a 8 to 5 Yankees left hook to the head on Saturday.

On Saturday Boy Wonder took the ball once again in hope of magically recapturing the past. It wasn’t likely to happen but you hoped it would.

He started off strong but I didn’t get the feeling he was in control of his whole demeanor. The truth is when the whole camera A-Rod HR happened he got out of the 4th with a 3 to 2 lead. Here is where I have a problem with my man Hamels. He has become easily rattled. He could have come out in the 5th, refocused, ready to shut down the Yankees but he came out with the”oh know here we go again look”.

Andy Pettitte on the other hand was not pitching that well and yet he was determined not to let the game go.

As you can see his line is not that impressive overall. But he took the challenge of keeping his team in the game.

To add insult to injury the Phillies bullpen went back to there unproductive ways and the game was over.

The most disappointing part of all of this is the mighty Phillies offense was held down despite 2 HR’s by Jayson Werthand a solo shot from Carlos Ruiz. And 1 for 5 with men in scoring position is never good. After Saturdays game Utley, Howard, and Ibanez had struck out 18 times in 36 at bats! That is including the good games Utley and Howard had in Game 1!

Another problem that has reared its ugly head again is the absent absence of Jimmy Rollins. When Rollins scores the Phillies win. Rollins isn’t scoring.  Maybe it’s ironic but this is all taking palce on Halloween. Yes the Phillies have dressed up like ghosts this weekend.

I was angry at Hamels for his performance, not because he does not try but because he is beating himself. This guy has talent but he let a whole season go by without adding a 3rd and 4th pitch that would be taken seriously. Good teams are going to laugh at that. With Hamels going I felt that the Phillies would have to aim for 8 to 10 runs and that wasn’t happening because of their foolishness at the plate.

AS if Saturday wasn’t bad enough the Phillies duplicated their ghostly act and kicked it up a notch on Sunday. One problem was the decision to go with Blanton over Lee (on 3 days rest). Honestly I was with Charlie on Friday to say Lee was going Monday but after the Hamels and sub par offense ordeal in Game 3, I would have put Lee out there.

That said the Phillies needed to look at themselves in the mirror and realize that Blanton meant another night of “we better score 10 runs” to win. Why? Because Blanton is a #4 pitcher that is not likely to shut the Yankees down. Oh like Hamels he can shut down NY for a few innings but he too does not have the arsenal to play mind games with the Yankees line up.

That said the Phillies offense is just as capable of demolishing a pitching staff. However they are not a consistent offense they are very streaky. And Sunday was the old wasted opportunity night at the plate as they went a despicable 2 for 11 with men in scoring position. Werth, Howard, and Ibanez went 0 for 6 with men in scoring position! Howard and Ibanez looked totally lost and like complete minor leaguers over the last 2 nights as a whole. They were completely at the mercy of the Yankees pitching. Actually Werth was somewhat on Sunday also.

It became such a joke that I was calling the pitches and locations that the Yankees were going to use to get them all out. My family thinks I am a baseball genius but really it became that shamefully predictable. And as if that was not enough, I was not excited at all when Utley and Feliz tied the game with timely HR’s. Because I did not see the look of confidence in the club and I had a feeling that Lidge would be brought in.

I know Charlie too well I guess. This was plain stupid. Sorry Charlie!  Lidge had the worst year any closer has ever had. You were able to put him in situations to rebuild some confidence. And I was okay with that. And I am a Lidge guy. But this was a must shut down Yankees situation. He was the last person I would bring in. Yeah I know he got 2 outs, but it was only a matter of time. The Yankees were giddy when they saw Lidge come out. 3 runs later my family thought I was psychic. Some will say the Damon stealing of 2 bases on one ptich is not his fault. But some should review the fact that teams have stolen bases at will on Lidge all year. Shame on him and the Phillies for not being prepared for that. Someone, oh I don’t know, say the pitcher has to cover third when the shift is on Teixeira  and a man is going for second with 3rd wide open.

I’m sorry but it was going to happen, anyone who knows anything about baseball and sports for that matter, knows you don’t erase 11 blown saves and 8 losses just because the post season started. You can improve and you may hide the guy but you give him the rope and he is going to hang himself and he did.

The funny thing is the Phillies are a good enough to team to steamroll the Yankees for 3 straight games but they do not have that feeling anymore. They did on Tuesday and Wednesday but the Yankee mystique has become engrained.

Heck Hamels said he couldn’t wait for this season to end. He is totally gone between the ears. Howard, Rollins, Ibanez, Victorino, and at times the Utley, Werth, Feliz, and Ruiz also look beaten down by the Evil Empire.

If Lee can match Wednesday and the offense can throttle Burnett for  10 spot and about 15 hits they may come back to life.  But right now I can hear the fat lady doing her voice exercises.  

Credit Burnett for a superb performance. It wasn’t quite Lee – esque but it was awful close.

And Yankees skipper Joe Girardi took no chances by bringing in Superman Mariano Rivera for a 2 inning save.

Phillies starter Pedro Martinez had nothing of a fastball and yet he hung in there and pitched a very solid 6 innings. Probably pitched well enough to win but he did hang a couple pitches and he paid for it. One was a Mark Teixeira solo HR to tie the game at 1. Hideki Matsui also had a solo HR but honestly he went down after a ball out of the strike zone and golfed it out of right field. Sometimes the hitter just goes and gets one and this was an example of that.

Unfortunately that was more than enough for the Yankees as Burnett kept the Phillies guessing. And here in lies the problem on paper. After Lee, the Phillies do not match the Yankees starter for starter. Last night was a perfect example. Pedro was good enough to win but Burnett out pitched him.  

This is where the Phillies offense has to look itself in the mirror. Your pitchers hold the opponent to 3 and you have to win the game. Obviously that is harder against a great pitching performance but the Phillies were also a putrid 1 for 6 with men in scoring position. Yes that problem reared its ugly head again.

I also thought the balls and strikes were a little askew, But by the 3rd and 4th time you are up you have to know what the strike zone is by then. Ryan Howard got jobbed on a few called strike three’s but it was the same exact pitch each time. You got to suck it up and swing when you know you are not getting that call. Hey Ryan I was feeling you buddy, but even I knew the 3rd and 4th time you weren’t getting the called ball on the outside pitch.

Matt Stairs got the lead for the Phillies with and RBI single that drove in Raul Ibanez who had doubled. It was a 2 out RBI at that. I was surprised that Stairs was the DH. Yes I know the old baseball adage of matching lefty hitters against righty pitchers. So playing Francisco was a right handed at bat. But Stairs has been so ghostly the last 4 months I didn’t think it was worth playing the rule of thumb. Credit Stairs for contributing.

GOOD NEWS:

• Yankees were 1 and 5with men in scoring position
• You got the 1 win on the road
• A-Rod moved back into Chokeville Estates
• Every time Hamels takes the mound it is one more chance he may relive 2008 for at least one night. Do it for the new kid COLE!
• The Phillies entered the Series confident but they have proven they are right there and capable of taking this Yankee team down
• The HR’s against you have been solo shots
• Happ and Blanton are more than ready if Hamels goes up in flames or if you need one of them to start Game 4 or 5.

BAD NEWS:

• The offense seems to go into these dark hole funks at inopportune times
• Pettitte is most likely going to out pitch Hamels
• We have to hear from New York fans for an extra day

Phillies win 6 to 1 and land an upper cut in New York where baseball legends are born. Cliff Lee made his statement loud and clear as he pitched a commanding complete game giving up only 1 UNEARNED run. The line only tells part of the story.

 Everyone but Derek Jeter was at the mercy of Cliffy all night. His stuff was filthy and his command and location was almost perfect. It was dominant it made the pitching of C C Sabathia look bad and it really wasn’t that bad. He had some moderate control problems that made him pile up pitches but he pitched good enough to win.

His glaring mistakes however were crucial. He tried to foil Chase Utley and paid dearly. Utley took Sabathia deep to right 2 times for the first 2 HR’s of this World Series. Utley who has lightning fast hands both times took the count to 2 strikes quickly. The first time in the top of the 3rd, Utley got behind 1 and 2 but battled to a full count and got just enough of a fastball low and middle away. The second HR in the 6th Sabathia had Utley on the ropes 0 and 2 and tried to blow some cheese by Chase. But Utley chased the cheese and got the fat lumber out on the ball and jacked it for a solid bomb and a 2 to 0 Phillies lead.

Meanwhile Yankees walked up to the plate and suffered double vision and buckling knees at the hands of the Jedi master Lee. Yes indeed Lee was like a postman who delivered in dry innings and wet/cold innings over and over again.  You kept thinking, okay the Yankees are too good to not strike at least for one big inning. But Lee would not have any of that talk. His demeanor was summed up when Johnny Damon popped a weak fly that fluttered back to the mound and Lee stood as if he was waiting for his deli number to be called and casually stuck his glove out to catch it. In the bottom of the 7th he stabbed a Jorge Posada grounded from behind his back for an unbe-LEE-vable play. I’m convinced had hit been able to hit he would have went yard.

The Phillies offense made me nervous out of the gate when they failed to score with the bases loaded in the first. But by the end of the game you had to give them credit for an efficient night at the plate.

2B: R Howard 2 (2, C Sabathia, P Coke); C Ruiz (1, B Bruney)
HR: C Utley 2 (2, 3rd inning off C Sabathia 0 on, 2 Out; 6th inning off C Sabathia 0 on, 1 Out)
RBI: C Utley 2 (2), R Ibanez 2 (2), S Victorino (1), R Howard (1)
2-out RBI: C Utley, R Ibanez 2, R Howard                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Phillies RISP: 4-9 (R Howard 1-2, C Utley 0-2, J Rollins 1-1, S Victorino 1-1, B Francisco 0-1, R Ibanez 1-2)

Howard had a 2 double night, your DH had 2 out 2 RBI hit, Utley had 2 HR’s, a stolen base from Rollins, you work 6 walks and you went 4 for 9 with men in scoring position. Which less face it, when was the last time the Phillies went over 50% with men in scoring position? Seems like forever.

J-Roll scored twice and we all what happens when Rollins scores.

Odd play of the night. The Cano fly to Rollins in the 5th inning. With Matsui on first, Cano hits a floater that Rollins apparently meant to miss for an easy double play. But he clearly catches the ball and the 2nd base ump called the out immediately. Rollins puts a force on 2nd to be sure and then throws the ball to Howard and first where Matsui was about 7 feet off the bag. Cano meanwhile is racing as if he was still alive. The ball arrives in time to get Cano even if he had not been called out already. Following this? Then Howard tags Matsui who is standing there completely confused as to what is taking place. So if you’re counting the Phillies got 4 outs by getting each player out twice each. Clearly this was a double play seven ways to Sunday but the umpires had to discuss it! Are you kidding me? What was there to be sure about? Wait a minute? 

Cano hit a fly that was caught, that’s one out, Matsui is forced out at second, that’s 2 outs. Then Cano is forced out at first, that’s 3 outs, and 2 for Cano. But that same throw forces Matsui of first because of the pop out, so that’s 4 outs and 2 on Matsui. But then Howard tags Matsui for a 5th out and 3 outs on Matsui! Wow maybe the umpires did need to clear that up?

It was also nice to see that the Phillies kept at the Yankees pitching with patience and some timely hits. When you play a team like the Yankees you can never score enough runs. Ironically if you were playing the Phillies it would be the same way.

So here we are with Game 1 in the book. That makes 6 for 6 Game 1′s for the Phillies over the last 2 seasons! The winner of the 1sr game of the World Series has won 11 of the last 12 World Series. Make no mistake about it though the Yankees are too good for that too matter. In fact both of these teams are never out of it until it is really over! So hold onto your hats and the parade plans.

Game 1 CLIFF LEE vs C. C. SABBATHIA

This was could be the clash of the titans. Although I reluctantly must give Sabbathia the edge for this reason. He has proven himself on a more consistent basis overall. Yes Lee won the Cy Young in 2008. But Sabbathia has a longer track record. Lee was Jekyll and Hyde not that long ago this season in fact. He was unhittable and then he was getting tattooed.

That said this Phillies team has beaten Sabbathia in the post season. In fact maybe Charlie Manuel will have Brett Myers available for the series just to bat against C. C. Last years at bats were historic and made a great start to an amazing Championship run. Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard also have some gaudy numbers vs Sabbathia.

For Lee this season is his first appearance in the post season. He has been money with an 0.74 ERA. Against the Yankees he is 1 and 1 this season. He is 8 and 5 on the road this year.

PHILLIES VS YANKEES – WORLD SERIES 2009

Breakdown in the BATTER’S BOX for GAMES 1 and 2

#1 Lead off – EVEN

Jimmy Rollins – Did not have the best year batting .250. Did score 100 runs, hit 43 doubles, 21 HR’s and 77 RBI’s. 31 Stolen bases. When he scores the Phillies usually win. Heart and soul of the team.

Derek Jeter – He had a great year hitting .334, 27 doubles, 18 HR’s, and 66 RBI’s. Scored 107 runs. 30 stolen bases. Consumant Pro. Also the heart and soul of his team.

* Rollins is  better defender. Yes he is.

#2 Hitter – Edge PHILLIES

Shane Victorino – .292 batting average. 39 doubles, 13 triples, 10 HR’s and 62 RBI’s. Scored 102 runs. 25 Stolen bases. The Flyin’ Hawaiian is energy = MC2

Johnny Damon – .282 average, 82 RBI’s, 24 HR’s, 36 doubles, and 107 runs scored. 12 stolen bases. Best year in a few seasons.

* Victorino far better fielder!

#3 Hitter – Edge Yankees – both are great 3 hole hitters nevertheless

Chase Utley – .282 31 HR’s, 28 doubles, 93 RBI’S, and 23 stolen bases. 112 runs scored. Utley is the Jeter of the Phillies, the intangibles guy.

Mark Teixeira – .292 39 HR’s, 43 doubles, 122 RBI’s and 103 runs scored. Huge signing in my opinion.

*Utley is an above average fielder but Teixeira is a Gold Glove First baseman

#4 CLEAN UP – Edge PHILLIES – although some would argue

Ryan Howard – .279 average, 45 HR’s, 141 RBI’s, 37 doubles, 105 runs scored adn 8 stolen bases. He’s Pujols/ Bonds like.

Alex Rodriguez – .286, 30 HR’s, 100 RBI’s 17 doubles, 14 stolen bases, and 78 runs scored. Did miss some games this year.

* A-Rod is a better fielder but Howard is greatly improved at 1st base.

#5 Hitter – Edge PHILLIES

Jayson Werth – .268 average, 36 HR’s, 99 RBI’s,  36 doubles, 98 runs scored, 20 stolen bases. 91 walks.

Jorge Posada – .285 average, 22 HR’s, 25 doubles, 55 runs scored. 111 games played.

*Add Jayson Werth’s fielding. Posada isn’t even the Yankees best catcher.

#6 Hitter DH – Edge Phillies

Raul Ibanez – .272 average, 34 HR’s, 32 Doubles, 93 RBI’s, 93 runs scored. Slowed by groin injury in late first half. Seems to hinder him at times.

Hideki Matsui – .274 average, 28 HR’s, 62 runs scored, 90 RBI’s, 21 doubles.

#7 Hitter – Clear Edge Yankees

My guess- Ben Francisco – .257 for the season, .278 with Phillies. 15 HR’s, 30 doubles, 14 stolen bases and 58 runs. Part time player. Has American League experience.

Robinson Cano – .320 average, 25 HR’s, 48 doubles, 85 RBI’s, 103 runs scored. Very strong 7 hole hitter.

#8 Hitter – Edge Yankees

Pedro Feliz – .266 average, 12 HR’s, 20 doubles, 82 RBI’s, 62 runs scored. Power has faded some in his latter years.

Nick Swisher – .249 average, 29 HR’s, 35 doubles, 82 RBI’s, 84 runs scored.

* Pedro still a top notch 3rd baseman.

#9 Hitter – Even

Carlos Ruiz – .255 average, 9 HR’s, 26 doubles, 43 RBI’s. Only played in 107 games. Has been scorching hot in Post season.

Melky Cabrera – .274 average, 13 HR’s, 28 doubles, 68 RBI’s.