Yankees-Phillies: a 2009 World Series Preview
New York, Philadelphia Should Provide Scintillating Fall Classic
Oct 25, 2009
It may not be the World Series the FOX network preferred – the New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers would have drawn massive ratings in America's two largest media markets, and Dodger Stadium is within driving distance of their offices. But how can any true baseball fan be disappointed in a Series that matches the defending champion Phillies against the Yankees, considered by many to be the finest squad in Major League Baseball (MLB) since midseason?
The best-of-seven World Series begins Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, in new Yankee Stadium with broadcast time on FOX at 7:30 p.m. (EST). The Phils have announced that their ace, Cliff Lee, will start Game One, and it's almost a lock that the Yanks' No. 1, C.C. Sabathia, will oppose him.
New York Yankees Loaded With Power, Pitching
Though the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim managed to extend the Yankees with a valiant comeback win in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), New York's eventual ascension to its 40th World Series seemed practically a foregone conclusion.
The Bronx Bombers have performed like the team that won an MLB-best 103 games during the regular season, battering the overmatched Minnesota Twins in a three-game sweep in the American League Division Series and thwarting every Angels attempt for momentum with a deflating next-game ALCS victory.
When Sabathia played for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, the Brewers seemed to be pitching him every other day to keep their playoff dreams alive. And at 6-foot-7, 290 pounds, the mountainous lefthander might have been equal to the challenge.
In New York, the Yanks' big late-season lead allowed manager Joe Girardi to rest Sabathia, and the decision has paid huge dividends: In the ALCS, Sabathia was dominating, posting a 2-0 record and a microscopic 1.13 ERA.
C.C. Sabathia the Key to Yankees' World Series Success
The rotation also features unflappable lefty Andy Pettitte, one of the Yanks' all-time best big game pitchers with a 7-1 record in ACLS play, and right-hander A.J. Burnett, acquired this season from the Toronto Blue Jays, who has been intimidating but inconsistent in postseason. However, Girardi is almost certain to start Sabathia in Game One, Four and (if necessary) Seven, banking Pettitte or Burnett can win one game between them to capture the Series.
The bullpen boasts flamethrowers Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, and That Man at the back end – one-pitch wonder Mariano Rivera, by almost any assessment the most effective reliever in postseason history.
At the plate, the Yankees benefit from the veteran leadership of captain Derek Jeter and catcher Jorge Posada; both hit well over .300 in the ALCS. And while prized slugger Mark Teixiera, the AL leader in home runs and RBI, has become the playoffs' Invisible Man and rightfielder Nick Swisher is batting almost 100 points below his weight (.113), New York has relied on the unexpected renaissance of third baseman Alex Rodriguez.
In his first World Series in a 16-year, three-MVP-award career, A-Rod has used his most challenging season to completely reversed his notorious postseason reputation for futility – so much so that the Angels walked him intentionally with no one on base in the ninth inning of ALCS Game 5. Against the Halos, Rodriguez slammed three home runs and hit will above .400.
Philadelphia Phillies Have Momentum, Swagger of a Champion
A dashing blend of speed, power and confidence, the Phillies bludgeoned the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), scoring double-digit runs in the last two victories. Indeed, their big problem early may be rust: It will be a week since the Phils last played baseball in anger, having clinched the NL pennant Oct. 21, and it may take a while for the Little Red Machine to get all parts functioning again.
Ryan Howard, the frighteningly powerful first baseman, tied the immortal Stan Musial for most consecutive postseason games with an RBI at eight in winning MVP honors in the NCLS. Philadelphia claims a former MVP at shortstop, leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins; a Gold Glove winner in centerfield, Shane Victorino; and, with clutch-hitting rightfielder Jayson Werth – currently holding the team record for most postseason home runs – one of the fastest outfields in the majors.
On the mound, lefthander Lee, whom the Phillies "settled for" when they couldn't pry Roy Halladay from Toronto during the season, has performed even better than his Cy Young Award credentials would suggest, notching a 2-0 record and a barely-there postseason 0.74 ERA.
Charlie Manuel, the country-fried, sly-as-a-fox manager, plans to use veteran Pedro Martinez at some point early in his Series rotation. Martinez has a world of American League experience and promises not to be overwhelmed by the moment in Yankee Stadium. Manuel's biggest concerns are inconsistent lefthander Cole Hamels, the Phils' erstwhile ace, who was taken out of Game 5 of the NLCS while holding the lead, and closer Brad Lidge, who, even though markedly more effective in postseason, is never at a loss for drama.
Will Weather Play a Factor in World Series?
Drenching rains in New York Oct. 24 postponed Game 6 of the ALCS. And while playing championship caliber baseball on the Eastern Seaboard in November is simply not a sane idea, Mother Nature may smile on the Series in 2009.
Extended forecasts for New York and Philadelphia show expected highs in the low- to mid-60s – meaning gametime temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s – and only a few days with the possibility of showers. But it's only 130 miles between the two population centers; any adverse weather system that blows in off the Atlantic likely will affect both cities.
Prediction:The Phillies have been here before – just last year, in fact – and will prove a formidable foe. However, even though everybody without New York ties despises the Yankees, the juggernaut in pinstripes is deep, hungry and on a mission to reclaim a title. The Yankees have yet to lose in their opulent new home in postseason, and they hold home field advantage. In a memorable and entertaining Series, New York in six.
 |
