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!!
Read more!

Big Ifs and Whiffs

By Chris Pollay

Well, a lot can change in a week.

Last Monday I was charged with optimism, expecting a seven-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. Now, I'm just hoping to see a Game Six. The good news is that the Phillies have the right man on the mound tonight. Cliff Lee is the best pitcher in the 2009 postseason and IF the Yankees can find a way to beat him tonight, then all you can do is tip your hat to them. They will certainly earn their rings.

But, I have a feeling they won't do it tonight. Lee has been so dominant that he should stop the bleeding tonight. Even IF he does, however, then the Phillies have to win Game Six in the Bronx. Then, IF Pedro can defy his age once again and get the better of Andy Pettitte, there could be a classic Game Seven.

That's a lot of big IFs, and the prospect remains more daunting if you consider Game Seven would likely feature C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees' best pitcher, against Cole Hamels, the Phillies' struggling southpaw who has not looked good at all for most of the 2009 postseason.

Honestly, I can't envision all of that happening right now, but I also have seen enough sports to know that one game can turn things around. Today is that time for the Phillies.

Now, IF they can just make contact with the ball, or at least, show a little more plate patience. In the 2009 World Series, Philadelphia has whiffed 36 times in four games (compared to only 29 hits and 15 base on balls). In particular, Ryan Howard has 10 whiffs and Raul Ibañez has nine. If that doesn't change, then the offseason will start tomorrow for the defending champs.

A lot of those whiffs have come at painful times, too.

It seemed like all season the Phillies relied heavily on a "three-run homer" offense but in this series, it's been another story entirely. How many times have they had runners on first and second with no outs, then proceeded to follow with a "fly out, strikeout, groundout" offense that is much less effective?

Despite it all, I still want to believe the Phillies can do it. Admittedly, I wasn't too surprised when Brad Lidge struggled and imploded last night. I wasn't shocked to see A-Rod come through in the clutch with a key ninth inning hit last night. What baffles me, however, is that the Phillies haven't found a way to win after Game One. This team is a resilient bunch that always seems to find a way to come back when they absolutely need to.

Unfortunately, this time the hole they have to dig themselves out of may be just a little too deep. They have to win three straight against the Yankees including two in the Bronx. With A.J., C.C. and Mo on the mound, that is a tall order indeed.

I'm a Phillies fan, so I will foster a lot of doubts that this can actually happen, but I also know that IF by some miracle it does, it would be something quite special indeed. Read more!