The Philadelphia Phillies are swinging the bat with a vengeance. The fifty plus runs they put up in the five game NLCS against the Dodgers is testament to the fact that Philly can go toe to toe with anyone. It wasn't just the bats that got the Phillies to a second straight World Series, the pitching staff most notably Cliff Lee (thanks Cleveland) who is a blazing inferno pitching flawlessly late into games along with the solid middle relief of Chan Ho Park, Chad Durbin, Ryan Madson and others has quieted the bats of Manny and the rest of Joe Torres bunch.
If the Yankees pull this series out which they most likely will the Phillies have another strong starter in Pedro Martinez who has pitched many times against the Yankees in his days with the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox.
Now onto the outstanding offense of this Philadelphia club. The powerhouse MVP of the NLCS Ryan Howard who is on his way to being the best post season Philly hitter of all time is crushing the ball (it must be all those subway Philly cheesesteaks!). Along with multi home run hitting Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez, and Shane Victorino who is usually known for his speedy doubles and triples has found the long ball as of late. The bottom of the lineup has been driving in runs by the boat load too thanks to catcher Carlos Ruiz and third baseman Pedro Feliz. Let's not forget J-Roll shortstop Jimmy Rollins with his ninth inning two out base clearing double.
The Phils were not without turmoil this year with a bit of closing pitching trouble with the once perfect Brad "Lights Out" Lidge struggling to find the switch but has seem to get his act together in the post season thanks to a few confidence building one or two out missions from the skipper. Also the passing of the late great Phillies announcer Harry "the K" Kalas whose presence was felt on and off the field from his constant pre-game locker room trips to his colorful commentary and trade mark saying "That ball is OUTTA HERE!". His passing hit hard but they put an HK patch on the uniform and kept trucking.
Some great acquisitions were made most notably RAUUUUUL IBANEZ who made the fans take notice immediately and despite a groin injury came back to hit a career high 37 regular season home runs. And the rookies have stepped up as well with the rookie of the year candidate JA Happ throwing multiple complete game shut outs.
We all know what happens to returning champs usually, they get caught up in the fame, the press and the added attention and they come back a little distracted well not this club. The Philadelphia Phillies are still hungry not just for another ring on their fingers but for respect. The type of respect that the media gives to the Yankees and the Red Sox. A repeat here would solidify the Phillies as the one of the most talented teams in the last thirty years and the heart and soul and fighting spirit of this team will be felt well outside the walls of Citizens Bank Park. So watch out New York (or LA) because this team is starving for some repeat pie and they are going to get it. If you can get them plus money for the series than I suggest putting aside some of your roll for Charlie's Crew because I don't see them laying down not to the Yankees not to ANYONE. I got my Utley Jersey on and my red cap ready for next Wednesday when the best series of my lifetime begins and when it ends I will be on Broad St. with the rest of the rabid fans singing high hopes for Harry, basking in the glory and getting ready for a dynasty. GO PHILS!!!