NLDS Preview Rockies vs. Phillies
Colorado And Philadelphia Meet For The Second Time In Three Years
Oct 6, 2009
The 2009 MLB playoffs will kick off with what promises to be a great series between the Rockies and Phillies. Here is how the two teams stack up.
Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Pitching:
The Rockies have a very good starting rotation of Ubaldo Jimenez, Aaron Cook, Jason Marquis and Jorge De La Rosa. They are backed by a solid bullpen. The Rockies are ranked a very respectable 10th in the majors in ERA, especially when you consider the ballpark they play in.
The Phillies have major issues with their pitching staff. Last year's playoff hero, Cole Hammels, has not been the same pitcher this year and has been very hitable. Their closer, Brad Lidge, who was perfect last year, went 0-8 this year with 11 blown saves and an ERA over 7. Cliff Lee pitched great when they first picked him up but even he struggled down the stretch. Joe Blanton is a decent #3 and Pedro Martinez has pitched pretty well but it's hard to trust him against a good Rockies offense.
Edge goes to the Rockies, the Phillies have too many issues.
Offense:
The Rockies are a very good offensive team with a nice mix of veterans like Todd Helton and youngsters like Troy Tulowitski. They ranked 2nd in the league in runs scored this year.
The Phillies have the best offense in the National League. They have four 30 home run hitters in Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, and Jason Werth. Jimmy Rollins did not have a great year but he is dangerous at the top and Shane Victorino is always a tough out. This lineup is stacked from top to bottom.
Edge here goes to the Phillies.
Defense:
The Rockies are a solid defensive team, having committed the 9th fewest errors in the majors.
The Philllies had another excellent year defensively, ranking 3rd in the majors as far as fewest errors. They are excellent up the middle with Rollins, Utley, Victorino, and Ruiz behind the plate.
Coaching:
Jim Tracy has done an excellent job this year since taking over as Rockies' manager. The team looked like it was going nowhere and had a 30+ game turnaround to make the playoffs and nearly stole the division. He also did a pretty good job with the Dodgers a few years ago.
Charlie Manuel has done an excellent job with this team the last few years. He has led them to three straight division titles and a World Series title last year.
Manuel has the ring but Tracy has the magic touch this year. Call it a push.
Final Analysis:
The Phillies have the better offense and defense but once again, the playoffs comes down to pitching. The Rockies' staff goes into the playoffs looking strong. Meanwhile, the Phillies are a mess. Their closer is terrible and their ace from last year has become average this year. The decline of those two is the reason the Phillies will have an early exit this year.
Prediction: Rockies in 4
