Yankees Phillies 2009 World Series Key Issues
The 2009 Fall Classic Will Revolve Around Specific Elements
Oct 28, 2009
Here are some key elements to the 2009 World Series that are bound to make a difference in the outcome of the Finals:
World Series Game 1
Game 1 of the 2009 World Series is of the essence and will determine the shape of the championship. The Philadelphia Phillies aren't going to be intimidated by playing up to four games at the new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium. This National League bomb squad is a very gritty and determined team, eagerly seeking to prove that last year's World Series win wasn't a fluke. Some label the Phillies as the "most like an American League club" from the National League.
The Yankees, on the other hand, are desperate to get off to a great start and win the Series for the first time since 2000. It's difficult to believe that after their dynasty of three straight World Series championships (1998-2000), they haven't returned to glory since. With World Series losses to Arizona in 2001 and Florida in 2003, the Bronx Bombers are fiercely determined to take the crown in 2009.
Yankees Starter C.C. Sabathia
C.C. Sabathia has done yeoman's work this season and the question is simply whether he can finish the job and round out a sensational season. He's certainly come through so far, sporting a 3-0 record and superb 1.19 ERA in this year's playoffs. Should the Series come down to seven games, the Yankees will be counting on C.C. to make these three starts the most concerted effort of his career. The spotlight will be glaring sharply on perhaps the best pitcher in Major League Baseball over the last two years.
Phillies Closer Brad Lidge
"Lights Out" was the first pitcher in the history of the Phillies to convert every save opportunity he had last year (41) and was 7-for-7 in the postseason, being the pitcher on the mound when the final out was recorded to win the 2008 Series. This year, however, Lidge has failed to live up to even modest expectations and finished the season 0-8 with a 7.21 ERA and converting on only 31 of 42 opportunities.
Nonetheless, Lidge has atoned in the playoffs somewhat from his dismal regular season. Former Phillies skipper Jim Fregosi said that credit must go to Manager Charlie Manuel for getting Lidge back on track through one- or two-out saves to get his confidence back. If Lidge can return to 2008 form, he can shut down the Yankee's advantage in Mariano Rivera.
Yankees Slugger Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod is heating up big time and for once he looks like he'll make it through the post-season without being a huge disappointment for the Yankee faithful. Through perhaps a stroke of good luck, it seems that the time Rodriguez spent on the DL early in the year has kept him fresh into October. Clearly among the three most dangerous hitters in baseball, a successful Series for A-Rod may be too much of a burden for the Phillies pitching to bear.
Pedro Martinez vs. A. J. Burnett
Game 2 features a great pitching matchup between the venerable Pedro Martinez whose return to action this year has brought the Phillies marvellous success, and A.J. Burnett who might rely excessively on the fastball. The Phillies are a dead fastball hitting team and despite the home field advantage for the Yankees, the visitors from the National League could feast on Burnett.
Yankees Pitcher Phil Hughes
Much of the Yankees' success in middle relief this year came from Phil Hughes, who sported an 8-3 record and stellar 3.03 ERA. However, in the American League Championship Series vs. the Angels, Hughes had something of a meltdown. Not that his control was loose -- he didn't surrender a lot of walks -- but he left a lot of pitches up in the strike zone and his off-speed stuff seemed to lose some movement. Should the Yankees have the lead going into the middle innings, they may squander any opportunity to shut the door if Hughes fails to keep the ball down again.Make no mistake: both clubs pose deep offensive threats. Defense will be of the essence and pitching will be everything, particularly from the 6th inning on.
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