World Series Analysis/Breakdown

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Here is a positional breakdown of the World Series between the NL's Philadelphia Phillies and the AL's New York Yankees.

Phillies		POS		Yankees
Ryan Howard		1B	X	Mark Teixeira
Chase Utley	X	2B		Robinson Cano
Pedro Feliz		3B	X	Alex Rodriguez
Jimmy Rollins		SS	X	Derek Jeter
Raul Ibanez	X	LF		Johnny Damon
Shane Victorino	X	CF		Melky Cabrera
Jayson Werth	X	RF		Nick Swisher
Carlos Ruiz	PUSH	C	PUSH	Jorge Posada
Matt Stairs	PUSH	DH	PUSH	Hideki Matsui
Lee, Blanton, Hamels		SP	X	Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte
Happ, Madson, Park, Bastardo		BP	X	Hughes, Joba, Robertson, Coke

Brad Lidge		CL	X	Mariano Rivera
Charlie Manuel	X	MGR		Joe Girardi

This series will be over examined on every level…maybe even by Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Here’s my reasons for the advantages.

First base: This was the hardest to separate. Both Howard and Teixeira had MVP quality seasons. One thing that Howard has progressed so well with is his defense, but he’s still not Gold Glove caliber, although I believe one day he will win one. Teixeira’s glove relaxes his infield teammates. That was the only difference.

Second base: As far as second basemen go, nobody turns a double play like Cano. Plus, Utley has been a bit disappointing in his defense early in this post season. There about the same in hitting, but Utley will steal a base where Cano is more slow-footed. This is also Cano’s first World Series. Utley is merely revisiting.

Third base: I really don’t have to defend this, but I’ll say that ARod’s numbers are awesome (.438 batting average, 5 HR, 12 RBI). Enough said.

Shortstop: If this were a couple of season’s ago, Rollins would get the edge. But Jeter put together possibly his best season ever…and he may just get some MVP consideration.

Left field: Before a groin issue put Ibanez on the shelf, he was an MVP front runner in the NL. He’s been a bit slow to come around, but he has responded. Damon struggled against the Twins but cam alive against the Angels. Again, defense makes the difference and Ibanez has more assists and has committed less errors.

Center field: Victorino has a Gold Glove, more speed, and a better bat. People always want to underestimate Cabrera, but Victorino is clearly the choice.

Right field: Werth’s bat came back alive in the final game of the NLCS cracking a pair of homers. Swisher continues to struggle this postseason. Plus, Werth is a better base runner and fielder.

Catcher: Regular season, it’s Posada. Postseason brings out the best in Ruiz.

DH: What’s to compare here? The swing and hopefully they hit. Both will have a handful of chances to change the outcome of this series.

Starters: Hard to go against the Yanks here. Even with the magic Charlie Manuel has pulled so far.

Bullpen: Neither pen has shown us a whole lot, but the Yankees have the better arms. New York fans just better hope their lack of experience doesn’t show.

Closer: Lidge is almost looking like the Lidge of ‘08. He’s still not Rivera.

Manager: Girardi wears 27 for a reason. The Yanks currently hold 26 Championships. Will he guide New York to 27? Charlie Manuel was in Girardi’s shoes last year. Experience separates this one.

Yes, the Yankees should emerge with number 27, but this has the potential to be the highest scoring World Series ever. No lead will be safe with the Bank and New Yankee Stadium being virtual bandboxes. Closing out games will be the main difference and Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer in baseball history. And he only throws one stinking pitch. Yankees in 7.

Yes, CC may have to pitch three times.

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