As evidenced by many of my friends’ status updates on Facebook, there are mixed feelings about this World Series matchup. I was initially disappointed in the Phillies-Yankees matchup, but I’ve changed my mind somewhat. Though I had wanted a Dodgers-Yankees World Series, I think a Philadelphia-New York matchup will be incredibly entertaining to watch unfold.
It’s going to be quite a battle between these two dynasties; the Phillies have reigned supreme since taking the title last year and the Yankees are doing everything they can to mount their return to glory. New York hasn’t been in a World Series since 2003, but that seems like just yesterday.
The matchup between these two teams seems, well… predictable. I’m not surprised that either team made it to the World Series. The Phillies versus the Yankees seems almost too obvious. The Phillies are just as good, if not better, than last year’s lineup. The Yankees have been in good form all season, what with their off-season pickup of Mark Teixeira and a new ballpark.
The outcome of this matchup is a little less clear right now. Both of these teams are very good. Like, mind-blowingly good. They’re both solid, all-around great teams. The pitching matchups in this series alone are incredible. Game one: Cliff Lee versus C.C. Sabathia. Game two: Pedro Martinez versus A.J. Burnett. Game three: Andy Pettitte versus Cole Hamels. I think it’s safe to say that the starting rotations of both teams are on about even footing – very, very good, even footing.
Even the bullpens are strong. The closers are Brad Lidge and Mariano Rivera. I can feel my brain melting and leaking out of my ears as I sit here trying to comprehend exactly how fantastic the pitching in this World Series is going to be.
Offensively, I can’t really say for sure who’s better. I’d say the Yankees have a stronger offensive infield that’s going to be balanced by the Phillies’ stronger offensive outfield. So really, I’m not saying much that we don’t already know, right? It’s very difficult to make sense of the situation.
Plus, many of these guys have played in the World Series before. You’re not going to see these guys out on the field making the kind of mistakes that younger, inexperienced players might make. These guys have lived this before; they’ve all ridden on the parade floats after the World Series victory, they’ve all received their enormous championship rings and they all know exactly what they’re doing.
I hope you’re not expecting me to make a prediction of any sort today. You’re not getting one. I really can’t say with any kind of certainty that I believe one of these teams is going to win over the other. The more I think about it, the more my head hurts. It’s a good kind of hurt, though – I’m actually glad that we’ve got a World Series matchup as close and as heated as this one is.
If I’m going to be forced to say anything, I’ll say this: the Phillies beat the Yankees twice during interleague play this year to take the three-game series win. Maybe the Phillies know how to handle the Yankees because of it. But that win was back in May. Quite some time has passed since that series. Whatever happens, this is surely going to be an entertaining World Series.
Unfortunately, by the time this paper goes to print, I may have a better idea. I doubt it, though; this thing is too close to call.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go pick my brain up off the floor and dust it off a bit.
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