Hoping for a Game 7

For the first time since 2004 I can honestly say that is has been a very entertaining World Series thus far. With the exception of the Phillies’ game 1 win, every game has been close and it is pretty clear that the two best teams from both leagues are rightfully facing off.

As a Mets fan, I can’t really be thrilled with the prospect of either team being crowned champion. However, I am hoping the Phils can pull out a miracle in the Bronx so that I don’t have to deal with the media hoopla of a 27th Yankees championship. It would also put a wry smile on my face to listen to frustrated Yankee fans calling in to sports radio crying about the loss.

In reality, though, odds are that the Yankees will manage to win one more game as the series returns to their home field. This Yankee team has that special something that champions are made of. Sure, they have the highest payroll in baseball, but they also play good fundamental baseball. They get clutch hits and key outs. They play solid defense and pay attention to the game so that when opponents make mistakes, they take advantage of them. Even down by a few runs, you always get the feeling that this team can come back to win it and they have proven that they can.

In short, as much as it pains me to admit it, these Yankees have that intangible quality that winners are made of. This is the quality that psyches their opponents out to the point where they almost forget how to play the game. We’ve seen this throughout the playoffs with the various mental mistakes made by the Twins and Angels. Now, the Phils have made a few as well; most notably in allowing Johnny Damon’s double steal in the 9th inning of Game 4. Credit goes to Damon and the Yankees for seeing an open window of opportunity, but the onus is on the Phils for letting something like this happen in the first place.

If the Phils hope to make it to a seventh game in the Bronx Zoo they are going to have to play as solid a fundamental game as they have ever played in their lives. This means a solid start from Pedro, good defense and no mental mistakes on the field. Andy Pettitte is hittable, but if the Phils get him on the ropes like they had him in Game 3, they need to knock him out before he gets up and figures out what he’s been doing wrong. And most importantly, if the Phils have a lead, they need to protect it. They cannot leave the door open even a crack for these Yanks because as they have proven repeatedly, they can and will rally for a come back. So on that note, good luck Phillies. You have your work cut out for you, but as every Mets fan knows, collapses are possible. Now get out there and get me to a Game 7!!