Star Performances by Star Players

The 2009 World Series surely is loaded with star power as many of the best players in the game are assembled on one stage. It is an abundant accumulation of MVPs, All-Stars, CY Young winners, Gold Glovers, World Series heroes, playoff stars and media darlings.

Big time performances by big time players on the biggest stage not only create the best theatre, but also cements legacies along the way. Many great players never have the opportunity to perform on this exclusive stage, but those who do and perform well, etch their reputation in the annals and in the forefront of baseball fans minds for generations.

The Yankees have gathered their biggest stars largely through the allure of money. A-Rod, CC and Tex were brought in with record contracts to join home grown stars Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano. And, Andy Pettitte is a hybrid, having come up through their system, but brought back through free agency. Across the field in the opposite dugout, the Phillies have a bevy of stars who have been nurtured within their own organization and a couple more that they obtained with talent from their own farm system.

J Roll, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino all were young players who have blossomed within the Phillies organization. Cliff Lee and Brad Lidge came to the team in exchange for top minor league players. And, of course, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Martinez were signed through free agency this season.

Last season, Hamels and Lidge played starring roles that launched them into the vocabularies of baseball fans everywhere. This season, a new group of players have moved to the foreground. Lee has put on the type of dominant pitching display throughout the playoffs that will forever add "big game pitcher" next to his other credentials. Werth has registered on the World Series Richter Scale with 7 post season home runs. Now, Utley is making his mark with a World Series record tying 5 home runs.

Similar to the way NFL quarterbacks can have excellent careers, but never be recognized among the elite unless they win a Super Bowl, baseball players are often validated through starring performances in the post season, especially the fall classic. Although Phillies fans recognize Utley as the best second baseman in baseball, this year's performance will likely place his name in discussions about the all-time greats. His record setting performance already has his name included with icons such as Reggie Jackson, Babe Ruth and Rogers Hornsby.

It is great to see this happen to a player who has been the model citizen on and off the field. He is a quiet, lead-by-example guy on one of the best teams in recent years and one of the hardest working, best prepared players in the game. In some ways, Utley has been hamstrung by his own greatness when it comes to the post season. The bar has been raised so high by Utley himself that anything less than a super hero-like performance is deemed as failure.

A couple players are lurking in the background who still might have their own statements to make before this series ends. Specifically, despite winning MVPs and noteworthy accomplishments in the playoffs, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins have yet to distinguish themselves as big game performers on baseball's biggest stage. Both are due to breakout, which could bode well for the Phillies prospects of a come from behind World Series victory.

Utley Powers Phils Back to New York

Facing elimination, the Phillies came out swinging last night to keep their World Series Championship hopes alive. Chase Utley got them jump started with a 3-run homer in the first inning and then added a World Series record tying 5th home run later in the game, but the Phillies had to endure drama to fend off the Yankees to preserve the 8-6 win. Cliff Lee kept the Yankees in check most of the game to run his post season record to 4-0. The teams now head back to New York with the Yankees leading the series 3-2.

What had been an 8-2 lead, shrank to 8-6 as the Yankees scored three in the 8th and one in the 9th before Ryan Madson struck out slugger Mark Teixeira to end the game. Jorge Posada led off the inning with a double high off the wall in right-center and then pinch hitter Hideki Matsui bounced a single to left to put the tying run at the plate with the top of the order coming up. Madson battled to get Derek Jeter to ground into a double play that was perfectly executed by Jimmy Rollins and Utley. Matsui came home on the play and then Johnny Damon kept the game alive with a single. Once again, the tying run came to plate in the form of Teixeira, but Madson got him to swing over a diving change-up to end the game.

For the first 7 innings, it was pretty much all Phillies as they mounted a 6 run lead. Utley accounted for 3 runs in the opening frame, and the team rallied again in the 3rd to chase starter AJ Burnett. Utley walked and stole second before Howard drew another walk. Jayson Werth then smacked a liner to center to score one run and Raul Ibanez followed with a single to right to score Howard. Werth came across on a fielder's choice to extend the lead to 6-1.

After the Yankees scratched out a run in the 5th that probably could have been avoided with good fundamentals, the Phillies added two more runs in the 7th on a pair of solo home runs. Utley launched his second home run of the game into the right field seats, giving him a National League record and tying Reggie Jackson for the most home runs in a series. Two outs later, Ibanez launched a tape measure shot off the facing of the upper deck in right to make it 8-2.

At that point, Charlie Manuel decided to insert Ben Francisco for Shane Victorino, who had a swollen finger from a fast ball fired at him by Burnett in the first. Victorino was confused by the switch, figuring that Manuel meant to replace Ibanez, but that was not the case. The move was looking very dubious when the Yankees rallied for 3 runs in the 8th inning, particularly since Ibanez and Francisco played roles. First, A-Rod's 2-run double to left bounced off Ibanez's glove and most likely would have been caught by the faster Francisco. Then, Rodriquez scored on a short sacrifice fly to center as Francisco hesitated and followed with an off target throw. Again, it is likely that A-Rod would not even have tried to score on Victorino.

Lee was not as sharp as he has been in previous post season games, but still pitched well. He lasted into the 8th inning and was charged with all 5 runs- a number that belies the true quality of his outing. Howard could have prevented the 2nd Yankees run by looking the runner on 3rd back and tagging the batter, but instead ran back to tag first on a ground ball. In the 8th, besides the aforementioned plays, Damon reached on an infield chopper as Rollins could not get the ball out of his glove.

Chan Ho Park relieved Lee in the 8th and turned in an excellent performance to escape further trouble. He set down three hitters in a row with Phillies fans starting to get very nervous.

Manuel was not done making decisions that could be second guessed, though. In the bottom half of the 8th, Carlos Ruiz led off with a single, but the Phillies skipper elected to pull Park for pinch hitter Matt Stairs rather than bunt, who promptly bounced into a double play. An insurance run would have been big and a strong argument could have been made to send the veteran Park back out for the 9th.

A game that the Phillies seized and then controlled most of the night, ended in high drama with memories of the previous night still fresh in everyone's mind. Although Manuel had Scott Eyre, Brett Myers and Brad Lidge all warming up in the bullpen, it seemed apparent that he was going to let everything ride on Madson. After the game, Manuel told reporters that he wanted to give Lidge a break. Hind sight notwithstanding, this was probably the right call because Lidge had the enormous added burden of the Game 4 loss.

Once again, the Phillies demonstrated the resiliency that many have attributed to the team. Despite a very disappointing loss one night earlier, they came to the ball park prepared to attack and win, rather than fret about the past or play not to lose. Although the scenario in Citizen's Bank Park did not go as they had hoped this weekend, the Phillies were able to secure a victory in a true "must win" game. And, it now gives this talented group of gamers an opportunity to return the favor by going to New York and winning a couple games in the Yankees own house.

Taking Stock of the Situation

The Phillies find themselves in territory that has been unfamiliar to them over the past couple seasons. They have dropped a pair of games at home and trail in a post season series for the first time, a period that saw them go 19-5 until the Yankees rung up three consecutive wins. They now find themselves fighting to preserve their fading hopes to repeat as World Champions.

The task is daunting as they trail 3-1 and face the "best team that money can buy", who recorded the most wins of any team in baseball in the regular season. The Yankees have ridden a rotation of high priced free agent acquisitions and a line-up of big salaried free agents anchored by A-Rod and Mark Teixeira to their current position. And, being the beneficiaries of some bad calls in the playoffs and an array of lucky hits in the World Series has not hurt their cause.

The Phillies find themselves behind in the series for a few reasons. Some of their biggest bats have not been able to solve the Yankees pitching. Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino have all struggled mightily in the World Series and are hitting a combined .190 with no home runs. And, Howard and Ibanez have struck out 19 times in 33 ABs. Chase Utley has owned CC Sabathia, cracking 3 home runs and a double off him, but is hitless against everybody else.

From a pitching perspective, last year's two post season heroes have not come through as the team was counting on them doing. In Game 3, Cole Hamels started very strong, but then could not get out of the 5th inning and took the loss. Last night, Brad Lidge also started very strong, but then strayed from his slider and let the game slip away.

That is primarily what has not gone right. The good news is that the Phillies have the talent and mental toughness to turn it around, so not all is lost. Everyone is familiar with the lopsided statistics associated with a 3-1 series lead and that few teams find a way to overcome the deficit to win.

That being said, though, it is not impossible. Especially for a team with the players and winning demeanor of the Phillies. To put it in perspective, the Phillies need to turn the tables, and do to the Yankees what they just did to them. The Yankees won a game at home and then came to Philly and took the next two. All the Phillies need to do is look across the field to the opposing team's dugout to see that it can be done.

It won't be easy, but if they simply return to form, a 3-game win streak is surely within their grasp. Tonight the Phillies have their ace on the mound, who has been the most dominant pitcher throughout the post season. The Yankees counter with AJ Burnett, a pitcher noted for top notch stuff and mediocre results. It is hard to envision him shutting down the Phillies again like he did in Game 2, especially since he is pitching on short rest.

If the Phillies can take care of business tonight, a healthier Pedro could actually improve upon his earlier performance. He would face Andy Pettitte, who looks beatable and would also be throwing on 3 days rest. And, if they can force a 7th game, the Phillies would probably trot out their entire staff, but the hunch is they would elect to give The Sporting News Rookie of the Year J.A. Happ the start.

Of course, none of that matters and is pure speculation unless the Phillies can find a way to reverse fortunes tonight. And, if they do, then the same goes for Wednesday night.

The best way to reverse fortunes would be for their All-Stars to find their form. More than anything, the Phillies need Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard and Ibanez to be themselves. Jayson Werth has hit home runs at a record pace through the post season, but the Yankees are going to force others to beat them. After a quiet post season, it was a good sign to see Pedro Feliz have a big game.

Usually when players slump, somebody ends up paying down the road. The Phillies have, at most, three games left in the season to make that happen. What better time to start than tonight? This is a team with a history of playing its best with its proverbial backs to the wall, whether they are chasing the Mets in the standings or needing a big late game rally against the Dodgers. I don't know about you, but I think too much of them and too much of their ability to count them out. I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night.

A Painful Fall After a Night of Climbing

The back-end of yesterday's day/night, football/baseball, New York/Philly grudge match found our hometown heroes in an uphill struggle almost all evening. The Phillies quickly fell behind and found themselves in what seemed to be a perpetual battle to catch up, only to take a painful plunge in the end. They now find themselves on the ground looking up at a steep 3-1 series deficit.

With Mariano Rivera looming in the bullpen prepared to pitch the 9th, Pedro Feliz smoked a Joba Chamberlain fastball into the left field stands with two outs in the bottom of the 8th inning to tie the score at 4-4 and send the Citizen's Bank Park crowd into a brief frenzy. The momentum had shifted dugouts and confidence was teeming through the stadium as come back wins are now familiar territory to this team and city. Unfortunately, the prospects of a huge World Series win shortly evaporated as Phillies closer Brad Lidge yielded a 3-run rally after

being 1 pitch away from a 1-2-3 9th inning.

The last inning Yankees beat down was one last blow that wounded team spirits as they now faced their biggest climb against the most prolific closer in MLB post season history. "Mo" quickly dispensed the Phils and the Yankees celebrated a commanding 3-1 series lead.

The Yankees wasted no time jumping in front, and quickly responded every time the Phillies pulled themselves even. On this evening, the Bronx Bombers did very little bombing, doing most of their damage with an abundance of luck until their 9th inning rally.

In the first inning, Derek Jeter started the game with an infield single when Chase Utley slipped on the wet turf. Johnny Damon ripped a double that bounced off the right field wall and both runners scored on a ground out and a short sacrifice fly, respectively.

Shane Victorino and Utley hit back-to-back doubles in the bottom half of the inning to cut the lead to 2-1. Utley's drive hit high off the wall in right-center, just missing being a two-run homer by a couple feet. If not for being on the opposite ends of fortune, the lead could have been reversed after one inning.

The Phillies scratched out the tying run in the 4th when Ryan Howard singled, stole second and scored on Feliz's two-out hit to left. Within minutes, though, they found themselves behind again, mostly through bad fortune. Nick Swisher walked to lead off the 5th and Melky Cabrero chopped an infield single that looked like a possible double play. One out later, Jeter hit a pop up to left that fortuitously landed between three converging fielders, sending home Swisher. Adding further insult to injury, Damon hit a pop up to right that somehow again dropped in and Cabrero ran through a stop sign to restore the Yankees 2-run lead. The walk was on Blanton, but the rest was on "Lady Luck."

After two hard outs in the 7th, Utley continued his assault on Sabathia by launching a ball into the right field stands to cut the deficit to 4-3. Yankees skipper Joe Girardi opted for Chamberlain to pitch the 8th to set-up the save for Rivera. After blowing fastballs past Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez to record two strikeouts, the Hip Hop hurler quickly found himself in the position to do the same with Feliz. But the Phillies 3rd baseman jumped on a 3-2 fastball and sent it deep into the left field bleachers.

Besides igniting the crowd and his team, the shot briefly sat Rivera down as Girardi wanted to keep him for a save situation. Charlie Manuel called on Brad Lidge to hold the Yankees in the 9th and give his team the chance to win in the bottom half of the inning.

Lidge looked confident and seemed to have his best slider of the season. He got pinch hitter Hideki Matsui to weakly pop out and then struck out Jeter on a couple of nasty sliders. He got ahead of Damon, who barely ticked a foul tip and then after 9 pitches, dumped a single into left. Damon quickly stole second and continued to third when no one covered. Lidge nailed Mark Teixeira with an inside fastball and then surrendered a double to A-Rod to make it 5-4. The Human Rain Delay, Jorge Posada, followed with a crushing two-run single.

Inexplicably, Lidge was burned for all the hits on fastballs, despite having possibly his best slider of the year. It is his signature pitch, yet was not called upon with the game and possibly the whole season on the line. Last night's failure was not about lack of confidence, command or stuff, but rather very questionable pitch selection. Many pundits suggested afterward that Lidge had to throw fastballs out of fear of throwing a wild pitch with a sharp breaking slider, but it seems unlikely that after two years the pitcher and catcher would suddenly be deterred by a runner on third.

After a night of getting knocked down and climbing back up, the Phillies finally fell too far to recover. Sensing being on the brink of another big come back to pull even in the series, it was a sudden, painful twist of fate. The team sends Cliff Lee to the mound for the last game of the year in Citizen's Bank Park. They hope for it not to be the last game, period, and that they can return to Yankee Stadium in an attempt to climb back up to repeat as champions.

Phils Pitching Falters as Yanks Win Game 3

For a few innings, it appeared that the Phillies were back on track as they seized a 3-0 lead, but their pitching came unraveled and they dropped Game 3 of the World Series. After a strong start, Cole Hamels faltered in the 4th and 5th innings and suddenly found himself in the dugout with a 5-3 deficit hoping J.A. Happ could bale him out of further trouble. The bullpen allowed the Yankees to tack on more runs over the course of the game, effectively throwing cold water on the prospects of a come back.

The Phillies wasted two more home runs by Jayson Werth, who now has a Phillies record 7 in the 2009 post season. His first home run got things started in the 2nd inning and seemed to ratlle Yankees starter Andy Pettitte. A Pedro Feliz double, a Carlos Ruiz walk, a Hamels bunt single and Jimmy Rollins walk made it 2-0. Shane Victorino plated a third run with a sacrifice fly, but might have taken Pettitte off the hook for a really big inning when he swung at three pitches out of the strike zone. The Yankees pitcher averted further damage by striking out Chase Utley for the second time.

Meanwhile, Hamels had not given a hit through the first 3 1/3 innings. Then, a 3-2 pitch to Mark Teixeira that appeared to be a strike was called ball four. Hamels clearly disagreed with the call, which may have been a distraction as the next hitter Alex Rodriguez drove a ball down the right field line that was initially ruled a double. After reviewing TV replays, the umpires ruled that the ball hit a TV camera and would have cleared the fence, so it was suddenly 3-2.

Hamels encountered more trouble in the 5th. Nick Swisher's double and a pair of bloop singles by Pettitte and Derek Jeter tied the score. Johnny Damon then lined a double to right-center to plate two more. Happ worked out further trouble, but surrendered a home run to Swisher in the 6th to make it 6-3.

Werth countered in the bottom half with a bomb that hit the facing of the upper deck in left to get them within a pair of runs. Once again, though, relievers Chad Durbin and Brett Myers each gave up runs to make it 8-4.

After Ruiz homered with one out in the 9th to make it 8-5, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi called for Mariano Rivera to close out the game. He quickly got two outs on 5 pitches and the Yankees had a 2-1 series lead with ace CC Sabathia returning to the mound this evening.

Charlie Manuel hoped that Hamels would regain his winning form from last season, and for a few innings it looked like he had. Unfortunately, similar to many other outings this season, a borderline call that went against him, a home run and a couple bloop hits later everything came undone. Additionally, it appeared that the Phillies had Pettitte on the ropes and could land a big blow in the second, but he settled down when that did not occur.

The Phillies find themselves being down in a post season series for the first time in two years. They look to Joe Blanton to battle Sabathia tonight, who has not pitched well against the Yankees in his career. Although this might be their most difficult challenge over the past couple of years, this Phillies team has always played well with its back to the wall.

Bombers Burnett Bests Pedro

Game 2 of the World Series felt a lot like Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. With Pedro Martinez again on the hill, the Phillies took an early 1-0 lead, but could not do anything more offensively to support a good pitching performance, and ultimately let the game slip away. In both games, the Phillies seemed to lack the same urgency and determination exhibited in other post season games after having already snatched home field advantage.

Last night, Pedro returned to the city that has been such a big part of his career. First, he was a loathed player on the Yankees arch rival and later pitched for the "other" New York team with a less hallowed history. Of course, the new Yankee Stadium was filled with fans of the Bronx Bombers, not the Mets team across town, so the sentiments aligned with the former scenario. "Who's your daddy?" chants rained through the stadium, along with other derisive calls and gestures, as fans recalled their team's history with Pedro.

Martinez was up to the challenge, effectively shutting out the distraction and shutting down the powerful Yankees line-up for most of the night. Unfortunately, AJ Burnett, his pitching counterpart, was even sharper, limiting the Phillies to one run over 7 very strong innings before handing things over to the post season's most prolific closer to finish it off.

The Phillies used a two out Raul Ibanez double and a single to left by DH Matt Stairs to take a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning. Alex Rodriquez whiffed on Stairs ground ball, a play that could have easily been ruled an error, and the raucous crowd drew quiet as they had the previous night.

Mark Teixeira evened things up leading off the bottom half of the 4th when he jumped on a Martinez change-up and drove it over the center field fence. Otherwise, both pitchers held their opponents in check, until Hideki Matsui golfed a curve ball just over the short right field fence with two outs in the 6th. The home run gave the Yankees their first lead of the World Series and riled the spirits of their fans.

After Burnett mowed down the Phillies again in the 7th, Martinez returned for the bottom half of the inning despite having already thrown 99 pitches. The Yankees put together 3 straight singles to extend the lead to 3-1, the second of which ended Martinez's night. Chan Ho Park struck out Derek Jeter and then Johnny Damon hit a liner to Ryan Howard off Scott Eyre. The ball was ruled an out and Howard touched a runner to record an inning ending double play; however, replays appeared to show the ball being trapped.

Yankees skipper Joe Girardi called upon Rivera to start the 8th to close the game out. After a quick out, Jimmy Rollins worked a walk and Shane Victorino singled. Rivera went 3-0 on Utley, but came back to induce an inning ending ground ball double play; however, once again, replays showed that Utley beat the throw to first.

Ibanez doubled with two outs in the 9th to keep the Phillies hopes alive, before Rivera sent Stairs down swinging to end the game.

Cliff Lee played a role in the game as he unintentionally served as inspiration for Burnett. Lee's post game comments the night before resonated with Burnett, who elected to take a similar approach and turned in arguably his best career performance. He limited the Phils to 4 hits and a pair of walks, while striking out 9.

Despite having a little less velocity and movement on his fastball, Pedro battled hard by mixing pitches and nibbling on the corners. His change-up was particularly sharp, which effectively made his fastball quicker and had the Yankees swinging at air throughout the evening. In six innings of work, he recorded 8 strikeouts, half of which came against Jeter and A-Rod.

Trailing 1-0 at home, the game was arguably more important to the Yankees. It surely may have had more to do with superb pitching by their opponents, but the aura of the Phillies was that they were playing a game that would be nice to win. By no means was there any nonchalance; however, they did not seem to possess the same high level of intensity that typically accompanies them in the post season. Perhaps this was a reflection of a strategy to wait out Burnett faltering on his own as he has been prone to do, but that never materialized last night.

The teams are now in Philly, preparing for a match-up of lefties with a history of post season success. With CC Sabathia likely waiting in the wings to pitch Game 4, the Phillies are looking to Cole Hamels to channel some of his 2008 post season magic after struggling in his first two playoff outings. Veteran Andy Pettitte opposes him and is currently pitching very well. Although teams typically try to use lefties to neutralize the Phillies left-handed sluggers, Pettitte has actually been more effective against right-handed hitters.

There will be no shortage of adrenaline this weekend. As always, the Citizen's Bank Park crowd will provide an added boost for the Phillies, particularly with the marquee team from Gotham City in the opposing dugout.

Pair of Pros Lead Phils By Example

Cliff Lee and Chase Utley played starring roles in the opening game of the 2009 World Series. This talented duo combined to set the tone for the night, and possibly the series, as they served notice that the only way to the World Champion moniker is through their team. They are the reigning title holders and it is going to take a remarkable effort to wrest it away.

In a city known for drama and theatre, it seems entirely fitting that these two would assert their considerable talents and will to lead the Phillies to a convincing victory on the biggest stage of their careers. Their performances and resulting win was like a double venti serving of Starbucks espresso for a crowd that was almost giddy in anticipation of their beloved team's next accomplishment.

Neither Lee or Utley are unnerved by the tension or distracted by the moment. They both share common traits in the way they go about their business, serving as models and leaders through words and action. They tirelessly prepare for the occasion, so when the television cameras go on, they are unencumbered to do anything other than proceed with the expectation of success.

One player is on the field everyday and the other crosses the white lines every fifth, but both bring the same intense professional precision to the roles they play. Success and winning is the end game, and both demonstrate unwavering concentration and maximum effort in reaching that destination.

Phillies fans and observers around baseball have witnessed and admired Utley's winning attitude and highly professional approach for several years. He is rightfully known as a "gamer", doing whatever it takes to win. If that means taking 26 balls in the ribs to get on base, making opposing hurlers run up their pitch count, running the bases with meticulous abandon, taking out a fielder with a hard slide or any other legitimate mean to give his team the edge, you can count on Utley to do it.

He is a marvelously talented, five tool player, stationed at a position that more typically leans toward defense. Utley's considerable physical abilities, especially coming from a second baseman, make him invaluable and a key element of his team's success, but the intangibles he brings are of equal importance. The mental toughness and great team chemistry that has fueled the Phillies accomplishments over the past few years, clearly trace back to Utley. This is not to say that players such as Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard are not equally important leaders, but although they have many similarities, they also bring a little something different to the equation.

From the first time that Lee took the mound after Ruben Amaro pulled off the tremendous coup of landing him at the trade deadline, it quickly became apparent that the team had added more than last year's AL Cy Young winner. Besides being better than most realized, Lee also brought the same professional, highly driven demeanor that was resident in the team's second baseman. He sprinted to and from the mound, and while he was there, he was all business.

When baseball people talk about a pitcher attacking the strike zone, they are referencing Lee. He works fast, with a laser-like focus on the task at hand. He throws four quality pitches and lives on the edge of the zone, but is not a nibbler. With surgical precision he throws strikes and, at his best, keeps hitters befuddled from start to finish as they never know what's coming or where.

Both Chase Utley and Cliff Lee are "throwbacks." In an age of exploding media coverage and monetary rewards, each is driven by the purest of motives- do whatever it takes to help his team win. Last night we saw remarkable performances from two great players. Who better than them to demonstrate, no matter how talented the opponent or bright the spot light, that the Phillies are tremendously intent on repeating as World Series Champions.

Cliff Lee and Utley Make the Yankees BeLeeve

Heading into the World Series, most baseball pundits (and other various media types) predicted a very competitive series, likely going 6 or 7 games, but very few gave the Phillies a chance to win. Most showed respect for the defending champions, but figured the Yankees to be too much of a powerhouse for the Phillies to prevail. Cliff Lee and Chase Utley may have grabbed the attention of the Yankees and the media by leading their team to a 6-1 series opening victory, and possibly made both believe (or should we say "beLeeve") that they have what it takes to win.

Last night's pitching match-up pitted best friends, former teammates and respective aces against each other. The experts' assessment and expectations of the match-up mirrored their overall assessment, with most seeing CC Sabathia as having the edge. Instead, it was Cliff Lee who put on a masterful pitching clinic, while new teammate Utley chased Sabathia with two solo shots into the misty October air. As Phillies fans quickly learned this summer, Lee should not be under-estimated as he has the ability to dominate his opponents with surgical precision.

The tone of last night's game was set early, and Lee maintained control from start to finish. In the first inning, although the Phillies did not score, they loaded the bases and made Sabathia work hard to escape trouble. Conversely, in the bottom half, Lee quickly dispensed the Yankees, striking out home town heroes Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira along the way.

In the 3rd inning, Utley jolted Sabathia, who appeared to be settling in, with his first home run of the night. He lifted a fastball a couple rows into the right field bleachers. He struck again in the 6th inning, this time launching a bomb deep into the right-center stands. Other than those two hits, both pitchers were cruising, setting down batter after batter, with one difference. Lee was pounding the strike zone, while his counterpart was forced to rack up a high pitch count.

Yankees Manager Joe Girardi opted to go to his bullpen to pitch the 8th with Sabathia having already thrown 113 pitches, and the Phillies took advantage by tacking on runs. Three walks and Raul Ibanez's 2-run single increased their lead to 4-0 in the 8th. They rallied again in the 9th inning, using singles by Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, along with doubles by Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard to plate a couple more runs.

Despite having a commanding 6-0 lead, Charlie Manuel sent Lee back out for a chance to complete the shut out. Jeter blooped a hit to center and Johnny Damon lined another hit to right. Teixeira bounced a ball up the middle that Utley grabbed, flipped to Rollins for a force, but the ensuing throw went into the dugout, allowing Jeter to score. Lee then shut the door by striking out Alex Rodriquez and Jorge Podada to end the game.

If not for the throwing error, Lee would have gotten credit for a complete game shut out. Despite the minor blemish of an unearned run, Lee pitched a true masterpiece, dominating the highest scoring team in the majors from start to finish. He ended with 10 strikeouts, while not walking a batter, a feat that had not been accomplished in a World Series for over 100 years. Overall, it was a pitching performance of historic proportions.

His outing last night represented a continuation of what Lee has done the entire post season, with each performance being elevated a little bit higher as the stakes increase. He is now 3-0 with a 0.54 ERA over 33.1 innings in 4 starts. Similar to his body of work when he first joined the team, the numbers are startling, but the way he does it is even more so. He keeps batters off balance with an ever changing array of pitches, up and down, in and out. He wears a leather glove on his right hand, but it must seem like an artist's palette to Lee as he executes the master strokes of a genius.

Meanwhile, Utley asserted himself as a team leader and one of the premier players in the game with his opening performance on the big, New York World Series stage. While others understandably struggled against one of the best pitchers in the majors, Utley single-handedly staked his team to a lead in a prodigious manner, seemingly putting the Yankees back on their heels while making a clear statement about his team's capabilities.

As the Phillies players were quick to remind everyone, this is only one game, but they were able to serve notice that they have a pretty special team and are not defending champions by accident. Sabathia and his Yankees mates will have more opportunities to make their own statements, but the opening salvo was fired by a Phillies team that just may be a bit under-appreciated by the national media. The Phillies are good...really, really good...and maybe the baseball world took a large step forward in recognizing that they will be very, very difficult to beat.

Phillies, Yankees 2009 World Series Preview

The New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies both followed similar paths this season. On May 14th, both teams stood at .500, but then played according to expectations over the balance of the season to win their divisions by comfortable margins.

The Yankees exploded, playing at a .672 clip on their way to the best record in baseball. Their final regular season win total of 103, the marquee names on their roster and the weight of the New York media has many convinced that they will end the Phillies reign as World Champions. It is hard to argue against the talent or the success that they have had this season, but the Phillies will have something to say about the outcome.

The Bronx Bombers have returned, as the Yankees are a team built on power and housed in a park built for home runs. They lead major league baseball in home runs with 244 and runs scored. The team boasts a line-up with all nine players having hit double digit home runs, including seven with 20 or more. The fact that they hit 56% of them at home provides evidence that the numbers are a little inflated by their home park. The Yankees also led baseball with a .362 OBP, while ending 2nd in hitting at .283.

These are surely impressive offensive credentials, but they also played defense and pitched pretty well, too. The team ended 4th in the American League both in fielding and pitching with a 4.26 ERA. The off season additions of CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira at a 2009 cost of $58 million surely helped in all regards.

Despite the impressive resume, and two playoff series victories, the Yankees have not yet faced a team like the Phillies. The National League Champions are also built on power and led their league in home runs and runs as well. The numbers are comparable when adjusting for the DH inflation in American League stats, and contrary to popular perception, they hit 116 of their 224 home runs on the road, which might suggest they don't play in a "band box", whatever that is.

The Phillies also can pitch and field. They placed 8th in the majors in pitching with a 4.16 ERA and second in fielding having committed only 76 errors. The team also possesses its own cadre of big names, including 2 recent MVPs, 2 CY Young Winners and 5 NL All-Stars in 2009.

Lets take a closer look at how they compare for the World Series:

Starting Pitching

The Phillies have more depth than the Yankees, who plan to counter that by handing the ball to 19-game winner Sabathia to start 3 games, if necessary. Their other two starters will be Burnett and Andy Pettite. Game 1 will be a match-up of former Indians teammates and the last two AL CY Young winners, Sabathia and Cliff Lee. In a mild surprise, Pedro gets the call for Game 2 against Burnett with Cole Hamels pitching Saturday back the Bank. Charlie Manuel may choose to risk bringing Lee back on 3 days rest, but if not, he has solid options in J.A. Happ or Joe Blanton. With both line-ups loaded with heavy artillery, pitching duels are not that likely, especially in Yankee Stadium, but look for the Phillies hurlers to turn in the better performances.

Relief Pitching

The Yankees have the ultimate playoff weapon in closer Mariano Rivera, who continues to add to his major league record 37 post season saves, obtained on the strength of a 0.77 ERA. Besides Phil Hughes, the Yankees bullpen is a little bit of an adventure, so they need to have their starters go deep into games. Much has been made of the Phillies bullpen struggles all season long, but they are functioning their best on the big stage of the post season. Brad Lidge has seemingly re-gained his confidence and his form that was instrumental in last year's run. Getting Chan Ho Park and Brett Myers back from injury, along with Happ and Blanton standing by, the Phillies have great depth, and besides Rivera, have a significantly better group.

Offense

As already covered, both line-ups are the best in each respective league. They rely on long ball power, but the Phillies have superior team speed. Look for Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez to break out in the World Series despite facing a steady diet of left-handers, finding the short porch in Yankee Stadium to their liking. Howard has evolved from slugger into all around hitter, with the ability to be clutch. Jayson Werth should have a big offensive performance as he typically wears out left-handers. And, Shane Victorino has hit extremely well against Sabathia, including his memorable NLDS grand slam a year ago. Rollins is the "X" factor for the Phils.

The Yankees have been riding the red hot Alex Rodriquez, who has shaken off his previous dismal post season performances in the black pinstripes. Mark Teixeira started to get untracked at the end of the ALCS and has historically hit well against the Phillies, so expect him to do some damage. Derek Jeter will continue to be steady, but the rest of the line-up has not contributed a great deal in the post season.

Defense

Rodriquez and Teixeira are very strong on the corners. Jeter and Robinson Cano are steady up the middle, but the former does not have great range. The Phillies outfield is superior and the Yankees outfielders weak throwing ability should be exploited. Utley and Rollins form the best duo up the middle, and Feliz has performed well at third. Overall, the Phillies have the best defense in baseball.

Prediction

Although the Yankees have 26 World Series titles, this Phillies team has more post season experience than their opponent. Last year's experience, as well as their tremendous mental toughness and confidence will be the difference. Look for the Phillies indomitable spirit to show through as they do what other's couldn't and beat Rivera. Also, look for J Roll to be fueled by the big stage and attention from his pre-series prediction as he leads the Phillies to a second consecutive World Championship.

Phillies 4

Yankees 3

Two Best Teams are a Contrast in Organizational Philosophy

Weather permitting, the Phillies take their final step towards defending their World Series Championship tonight in New York. The Fall Classic begins in the Big Apple, appropriately bringing the two best teams in baseball together to compete for the 2009 title. It pits the most celebrated team in baseball history from the "Capital of the World" against the team with the most losses in baseball history from the city forever in its shadow.

Although some of the New York media seems to want to assert their city's and team's superiority, the outcome of this series will not be determined by population, cultural differences, affluence, stature of architecture or franchise history. This is baseball, here and now. The current Phillies team can do nothing about the organizational struggles in years past throughout its 100-year plus existence, but surely can do something about asserting itself as the best team in baseball this year...and perhaps this era.

Both teams share similarity in that they each have a marvelous collection of talent, but the teams were built in different ways. The Yankees have used their big market status and revenues to annually acquire the biggest names and the next tier of players on the free agent market. Currently its CC Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Texiera, Andy Pettite, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, AJ Burnett...the list goes on. Conversely, the Phillies have primarily built around a nucleus of home grown talent, complemented by some shrewd acquisitions of "diamonds in the rough" and a couple finishing pieces.

Historically, the Yankees have been able to far exceed the competition in payroll and usually are the first team mentioned whenever top free agents seeking big payouts go on the market. They are major league baseball's "Show Me the Money" team- the "Best Team Money Can Buy." The Yankees are a collection of rentals and some old favorites melded together by the common bond of US currency.

To be fair, they do have have a few pieces cultivated within their organization. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada are products of their own drafts, amateur free agent signings and farm system. Make no mistake, though, the heart of their line-up and their starting pitchers were all wooed to the Yankee pinstripes by the highest bid.

In the opposing dugout is a team on a mission to repeat, melded through the proverbial climb together and an undeniable team chemistry. They are talented, driven and successful. And, contrary to perception that the qualities can not be mutually exclusive, they are also personable, team oriented and humble. The players and manager of this Phillies team are both champions and highly likable.

The foundation of this remarkable team and current period of success is built around players that they drafted and cultivated in their farm system. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are some of the top players in baseball that are also the clear leaders of the team. Last year's post season hero, Cole Hamels, anchors the pitching staff along with mid-year acquisition Cliff Lee, throwing to home spun Carlos Ruiz behind the plate. Other key players such as Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth were bargain basement signings abandoned by other teams who realized their potential in a Phillies uniform. And, to complete the puzzle, the team signed some value free agents such as Raul Ibanez and a couple of Pedro's.

Enthusiastic capacity crowds virtually every night in a superior venue, a winning attitude and a great team culture make for a highly attractive environment. Players want to be a part of it, and stay a part of it. The future is bright. The allure of the atmosphere is surely a key element to ensure that it stays that way. And, the team continues to develop talent from within that they are readying to step in when the time comes.

Conversely, the team to the north in Gotham City offers the Yankees mystique, fame and fortune as its primary allures. The largest market and revenue base by a long shot, along with ownership demanding success and a willingness to buy it, also goes a long way towards ensuring ongoing prosperity. When current players run their course, the holes can be plugged with the next available high priced free agents.

When the two teams face off against each other tonight in the 2009 World Series, the best teams that the National League and American League have to offer will be represented. And, two vastly different organizational philosophies will be on display as well. The Phillies players look to stake their claim in baseball history by being the first National League team to repeat as champions in 33 years, while the organization looks for validation that it did it the right way.

Phillies Considering World Series Roster Options

Similar to the previous two playoff series, teams have an opportunity to reset their rosters for the World Series. The Phillies brass is surely mulling over their options right now, but probably will not make final decisions until their opponent is determined. The Yankees, of course, are still favored considering their 3-2 ALCS lead and the final two games in the friendly confines of their new stadium.

Cliff Lee will get the ball for Game 1 on Wednesday. Charlie Manuel would prefer to bring him back again on normal rest, but if the Phillies fall behind in the series, it is possible that he would choose to bring him back on Sunday with only 3 days rest. Pedro Martinez and Cole Hamels will get the call for Games 2 and 3, but the order is undetermined at this point. Since it is a difficult decision anyway, the determining factor could be that Hamels is a much better hitter, so Manuel could DH for Martinez in Game 2.

As he had in previous series, Manuel will keep his options open and likely will not name the Game 4 starter until Saturday. J.A. Happ pitched well in his start against the Yankees earlier this year, and could get the call if that is their opponent and they go with a 4-man rotation. Happ gives up less long balls than Blanton, which is a big part of the Yankees offense. If Antonio Bastardo is left off the roster, though, Happ would give the Phillies a second lefty in the pen to go with Scott Eyre.

There appears to be some sentiment to consider adding Brett Myers to the World Series roster. Ruben Amaro indicated yesterday that Myers looked a lot sharper in a recent simulated game. This will depend upon whether the team opts for 12 pitchers over keeping Eric Bruntlett or whether it makes sense to keep Bastardo as an additional lefty in the pen.

My guess is that they will add Myers to the roster since he has big game, pressure experience. I also believe they will keep Bruntlett to maintain more flexibility, especially since they can use Happ as a situational lefty for a batter or two regardless of whether he starts. Games 6 and 7 would likely be an "all hands on deck" scenario anyway.

Here is how I would project things for Game 1. If they face a right-handed starter, Matt Stairs or Greg Dobbs could DH with Ibanez back in left.

Line-up  9

1. Rollins-SS
2. Victorino-CF
3. Utley-2B
4. Howard-1B
5. Werth- RF
6. Ibanez-DH
7. Francisco-LF
8. Feliz-3B
9. Ruiz-C

Rotation  4

1. Lee
2. Martinez
3. Hamels
4. Happ

Bench   5

1. Stairs
2. Dobbs
3. Bako
4. Cairo
5. Bruntlett

Bullpen  7

1. Lidge
2. Madson
3. Park
4. Eyre
5. Blanton
6. Durbin
7. Myers