I know all of you have been waiting for it, and could I disappoint you all? Not a chance. Here's the rundown of the positional breakdowns between the Yankees and the Phillies followed by my prediction. And for all you placing bets on this series, you can take this prognostication to the bank and ride it in for the BIG payout.
Catcher- Jorge Posada/Jose Molina vs Carlos Ruiz
Ruiz is a VERY good defensive catcher, better than Posada, not quite as good as Molina. Posada OBVIOUSLY has the offensive edge over the Phillies, but if he has to catch Burnett, that could be a disaster waiting to happen. Molina is an uber-catcher, but at the bat you might as well take George Steinbrenner (he may be faster). SLIGHT Advantage: Yankees
1st Base- Mark Teixeira vs Ryan Howard
As much as I want to give the edge to Tex I'm calling this a push. While Mark "Leigh" Teixeira's defense goes against the realm of physics in most cases, Ryan Howard's display of offense in this years' Postseason is going to push this battle to even. They can both hit for Power and are both MAJOR cogs in their respective lineups, which makes this match Dead Even. Advantage Push
2nd Base- Robinson Cano vs Chase Utley
This matchup is as EVEN as they come. Utley is one of the premier power hitters for 2nd baseman since Jeff Kent. Cano is very easily the second best ALL around 2nd baseman behind Utley. Here's the statline: Cano~ .320 BA, 25 HR, 85 RBI .352 OBP and .984 FP% Utley~ .282 BA, 31 HR, 93 RBI, .397 OBP, and .984 FP%. Where Cano might get a few more hits, Utley's popping a few more out of the ball park. And while Cano's BA is higher Utley is taking a few more walks and seeing more pitches. This will be a treat to watch two of the best in the business at the second sack. Advantage: Push
Shortstop- Derek Jeter vs Jimmy Rollins
While Jimmy Rollins is a phenomenal player, I'm giving the edge to experience. There is not one better clutch performer in the World Series in the history of Major League Baseball. Jimmy's range is certainly better than Jeter's. But Jeter's all-around tools are more than enough to give a VERY slight edge to the Yankees. Advantage: Yankees
3rd Base- Alex Rodriguez vs Pedro Feliz
Obviously this is a landslide victory by the recently rejuvenated, controversial slugger, A-Rod. His playoff performance thus far has been nothing short of magnificent and this is one of the few routs in comparison to his counterpart on the other team. Honestly who is Pedro Feliz? BIG Advantage: Yankees
Outfield- Damon, Cabrera, Swisher vs Ibanez, Victorino, Werth
Speaking as a whole unit here, Philadelphia completely crushes the aging Damon, the inconsistent Swisher, and the seemingly vacant on offense Melky. Ibanez has been one of the best signings of the year in all of baseball. Victorino is one of the best defensive centerfielders in the game and not a bad stick either, and Jason Werth is coming into his own almost approaching Ryan Braun's stats. Advantage: Phillies
Game 1- Sabathia vs Lee
As good as CC has been, Lee has been better, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, isn't getting the proper credit. 1.19 ERA is bested with a 0.74 miniscule ERA by Lee. They are even at 20 K's apiece. CC has given up 17 hits, Lee 14. Both have issued 3 BBs. CC has allowed 1 HR and Lee has given up none. As I said Lee has been better. Advantage: Phillies
Game 2- Burnett vs Martinez
Burnett has elite stuff, probably better than BOTH Sabathia and Lee but for every gem that he throws he has a clunker waiting in his arsenal and his inability to throw the slider around the catcher in some instances could be cause for concern. Burnett's last start was nothing to write home about, and with the pressure mounting even more it could be something to take heed of. Pedro is clearly not the dominant force that he once was but no one expected him to even be able to go 4 + innings against the Dodgers, and he turned in 7 shutout 2-hit innings. Not too shabby. Advantage: Push
Game 3- Pettite vs Hamels
Pettite is one of the best playoff pitchers of this era. No one is taking that away from him. Hamels is like a new age version of Pettite. Despite his NLCS clinching Game 5 has been VERY solid on his starts in October. Another VERY even matchup. Advantage: Push
Closer- Mariano Rivera vs Brad Lidge
Not close. Mo' takes it, no explanation necessary. Advantage: Yankees
Bullpen- NYY vs Phi
Even though, Philly's regular season struggles were well-documented, NYY's Postseason snafus are coming to fruition. Advantage: Phillies
Managers- Joe Girardi vs Charlie Manuel
Yes, both managers are in the World Series, but Joe Girardi's ineptitudes will surface during this series. His inability to manage a bullpen Should/Will come out to haunt him. If he over-manages (pulling out Damon mid-inning, losing his DH, etc) this series like he did against the Angels, the Pinstripes WILL fall. Charlie Manuel, although sounds like Grady Little with his southern Drawl do not confuse the two. When a decision has to be made he makes it, and doesn't care about egos or personalities. BIG Advantage: Philadelphia
I expect this to be a HIGHLY competitive series, but I do NOT see this going 7 games like many other people do. The X-Factor for the Phillies is J.A. Happ. This season the Yankees have not fared as well against lefties and Happ, coming out of the bullpen he is going to play a HUGE role, and he will turn Posada, Tex, Swisher around who don't hit for as much power from the right Side and neutralize Cano, Damon and Matsui.
The X-Factor for the Yankees is Mark Teixiera. He needs to not just hit well but hit for power in this series from the Right side. If he hits for Power from the right side the Yankees WILL WIN this series.
With all the lefties going in the series for the Phillies I'm giving them the nod in 6 games. They are the team to beat, as the Defending Champs, and the Southpaws will neutralize and Alter their entire offense. Your thoughts?
Stay Tuned
Ryan
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