Now that the Phillies are the 2008 National League Champions, all eyes turn to the American League Championship series as the Phightin' Phils wait to find out who their opponent will be. All indicators point to the Tampa Bay Rays who lead the series 3-1. However, the reigning World Champion Boston Red Sox know what it is like to be down and how to come back from improbable odds.
Which match up favors the Phillies? Most people agree that the injury plagued Mannyless Red Sox would be the best match up and I tend to agree. But there are some good match ups against Tampa Bay as well.
For example, Jamie Moyer should return to form against a young line up that will likely be over anxious against him. There is also the fact that this team lacks players with playoff experience. One could argue they have gotten that experience in the first two rounds of the playoffs and that the Phillies have the same lack of World Series experience, but I would much rather face Scott Kazmir in a game 7 then Josh Beckett regardless of his recent performance and the fact that Kazmir is left handed.
Another stat in the Phillies favor is the remainder of Tampa Bay's starters against left handed hitters. In 2008, left handed opponents hit .306 against James Shields, .303 against Andy Sonnanstine, .311 against Matt Garza, and .379 against Edwin Jackson. Not too bad for Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Greg Dobbs, and our switch hitters.
I also prefer to face the Rays bullpen instead of having to face Jonathan Papelbon and company.
Of course what Phillies fans really root for is for this series to go seven games and beat the players up so they come to the World Series tired. Wishful thinking? We shall see!
For complete postseason coverage check out National Pastime and Red Sox Ramblings.
