Are the Yankees Really in Trouble?

Most would answer this question yes...with perhaps a bit of hesitation. I agree they're in trouble, but they can come back, can't they?

Maybe not. Much has already been made about how quiet the Yankees bats have been save Game 1. Since that game, New York is hitting an catastrophic .168. It's not any better with runners in scoring position. That average drops to .111. Oh, the bats woke up toward the end of Game 1, but those bats have been pretty much silent since then.

There are only two Yankees hitting over .300. Robinson Cano (.407) has been the thorn in the Rangers' side. Curtis Granderson (.318) has provided a bit of hitting from the bottom of the order. Derek Jeter is next at .281. The next Yankees starter is Brett Gardner. His average? A sparkling .227.

Can CC cure the Yankees ails?

And now, the Yankees will rely on 21-game winner CC Sabathia. Usually, a good thing, but CC was hittable in Game 1. He lasted only four innings, allowed 5 runs on 6 hits. The most notable hit was Josh Hamilton's first-inning three-run homer. The other damaging hit was a 4th inning, two-run double by Michael Young.

ALCS Matchups

The American League Championship Series kicks off tonight with the New York Yankees visiting the Texas Rangers. Here a quick look at the positional comparisons.

First Base: Mark Teixeira v. Mitch Moreland/Jorge Cantu
While Tex suffered a bit offensively in 2010, it did not have an adverse effect on his glove. The Rangers have been searching all season for that one guy that can play the position every day. Rangers manager Ron Washington has inserted Mitch Moreland in for now.
Advantage: Yankees. Tex is still the best glove at the position.


 Second Base: Robinson Cano v. Ian Kinsler
What a matchup this is between the two best young second basemen in the game. Cano will receive some AL MVP consideration and no one is smoother at turning a double play. Kinsler has battled injuries this season, but the bat is back.
Advantage: Yankees. Only because Cano has done it all year long.

Shortstop: Derek Jeter v. Elvis Andrus
Jeter is Mr. Yankee for a reason. Andrus proved the stage wasn't too bright for him as he hit .333 in the ALDS against a good Rays staff.
Advantage: Yankees. C'mon. It's Jeter.

Strories from 2009

Over the next few days, I'll be bringing back some of the stories and events that made sports headlines from 2009. I have a few here that were great stories, but didn't quite make my top 5 in each category. These fall into the Honorable Mention title.

1. Usain Bolt at the World Championships

Is there any question who's the fastest guy on the planet? Bolt set new world records in both the 100 meters (9.58 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds). His charisma brings a new and fresh feel to the track and field world as is on display in the picture to the left. Bolt is just the jolt the sports needs. You can't help but love this guy. You also can't overlook his Sports Center commercial.

2. The continued struggles of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

After signing with Hendrick Motorsports prior to the 2009 NASCAR season, a lot of Junior's fan, and haters, thought he would be back in the Chase. Not so much. Junior struggled to a 25th place in the final standings. No poles, no wins, only 2 top 5's and 5 top 10's made the 2009 season one to forget for the #88 team. One consolation was that he was once again voted the sports most popular driver.

3. The untimley death of Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry

Much has been said about the former West Virginia Mountaineer over the past couple of weeks. The most startling fact is that Henry was on injured reserve at the time of his death. A broken forearm against the Baltimore Ravens forced Henry to miss the remainder of the '09 season. If he hadn't been on IR, he would have been with the Bengals making preparations for its next game.

4. Cries of more replay in baseball

With all the technological advances in the world these days, why not? After a number of missed calls by umpires in the postseason, fans all over were screaming for the replay rule to be expanded. Commissioner Bud Selig seems somewhat reluctant to make such change, but I think it's inevitable. There's a long road to go on this, but with Selig to leave office within the next couple of years, it might happen sooner rather than later. That could leave a positive legacy on Selig's reign as commissioner. Those who don't want it say the obvious: it would slow the pace and change the flow of the game. And MLB does not need that.

5. LPGA ousts Commissioner Carolyn Bivens

In a move that, in the end, surprised no one, some of the LPGA more prominent players held an informal meeting with plans for a change of  direction at the top of the tour. On July 13, Bivens announced her resignation as commissioner. A bit of controversy looms over her reign. Bivens imposed a clause in the media credentials contract stating that the LPGA would hold free rights to all the photos and stories from events. Many publications were irked at this and boycotted covering the first round of the 2006 season opener. There's also the "requirement" that Bivens wanted to impose requiring LPGA members to become proficient in English by 2009 or a suspension would result. That was later reversed in order for the tour to avoid potential lawsuits. Dwindling sponsorships and dollars were also viewed as an ends to justify the means.

If you have any sports events or stories from 2009 that you think you should be listed, let me know and we'll grade them against what we already have in mind. If we choose an event you suggest that we haven't already chosen, proper credit will be given. When you submit, please leave any information (website, blog, etc.) and we will gladly link it to you.

Baseball's Champs: the New York Yankees

I bet you think I'm going to bash the Yankees for their latest conquest in becoming a 27 time World Series Champ. Despite all the things that are being said about New York and how they bought the Series, I must, in all honesty, disagree.

The spending spree that is known as the New York Yankees, or "The Evil Empire" as they have also been referred as, is merely playing within the established rules that baseball permits. George and Family are willing to spend the bucks and baseball permits it.

But the purpose of this post is not to bring up the extrememly sore subject of the spending. No, believe it or not, the Yankees built this Championship. Hard to believe, I know. The groundwork for it was laid in the year of their last series win.

Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte. These four are the holdovers from the 2000 World Champs. Jeter represents all that is good for the Yankees (and baseball) as well as serving as their captain and leader. Rivera is undoubtedly the best closer in the game's history. Posada is as steady as any catcher. Pettitte took a hiatus in Houston and a hit for his HGH use, but he did return and proved to be an integral figure. All four were homegrown talent.

Now you add some big signings between 2001 and 2008. The first was Hideki Matusui who came from Japan prior to the 2003 season. All Godzilla did was win the MVP award with his 6 RBI in Game 6. Add Alex Rodriguez. Despite his "run-in" with PEDs and his offseason hip surgery, ARod contributed this year unlike any postseason he'd played in the past. He came aboard in 2004. Throw in Johnny Damon. Damon bolted from the hated Boston Red Sox to join the Yanks prior to the 2006 season.

Remember how Jeter, etc., were homegrown? So were Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Robinson Cano. These four give the Yankees the beginnings of a foundation going forward. THe major question involves Joba and Hughes. Are they starters or relievers. The front office must arrive at a decision quickly in order to continue. Joba seems better suited as a reliever. Hughes emerged as New York's 8th inning guy out of necessity.

Fianlly, there's the free agent frenzy prior to this season and a key acquisition. Brain Cashman and Hank Steinbrenner brought in CC Sabathia, the highest sought pitcher, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, the highest sought position player, via free agency. But a key cog was brought into the Yankee fold via trade. That is Nick Swisher. All four are different and their differing personalities gelled with the other Yankee players.

I want to make this point clear, I am not a Yankee fan. Growing up in southwestern Ohio, I was eased into the Cincinnati Reds history, culture, and fanbase. I learned to despise New York during the 1976 World Series and it carried over for a few years. But as I've grown older, I've learned that sports franchises have evolved into businesses. George Steinbrenner opened everyone's eyes to that.

And business is all about the dollar...spending or making.

MLB: Last Night of 2009 Season?

It is possible that tonight's Game 6 of the World Series will be the final game of the 2009 season...that's if the New York Yankees have anything to say about it. But the Philadelphia Phillies have designs on one more game and send Pedro Martinez (left) to the mound against Andy Pettitte.

What do the Phillies need to do to force a seventh game?

If Charlie Manuel can get 6 strong innings from Pedro, that will be the place to start. He got that type of effort from Martinez in Game 2. Pedro allowed three runs in his six innings of work. Phillies fans cannot ask for much more from Martinez.

The Phillies bats must get to Yankees starter Andy Pettitte early and often. If Pettitte is allowed to get in a groove, tonight could very well be 2009's last game. Getting Pettitte out early could expose the New York bullpen. With the obvious exception of Mariano Rivera, they bullpen is vulnerable.

The next "issue" that Philadelphia must address is the current slump that has grasped Ryan Howard. In 19 at-bats, Howard has 3 hits and only 1 RBI. Of his other 16 at-bats, Howard has 12 strikeouts. For the record, Howard is hitting. 207 agaist lefties. Not a pleasant sight for Howard to see Andy Pettitte on the hill tonight.

Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino (right) says he's good to go for Game 6 despire getting drilled with a pitch on his right hand during Game 5. With the weather being on the cool side for the game (dipping into at least the low 40's), it might be a matter of how long Victorino will be able to stay in the game even though we know he will want to play.

Now, the biggest question for Game 6 if your the Phillies: Who will get the ball in a save situation? We all saw the Brad Lidge of '09 arise during Game 4 by permitting the Yankees to score three runs when there were two outs and no one on base. In Game 5, Ryan Madson got the call (with a three run lead) to close out the game. Madson or Lidge?

Don't even think about who'll start for Philly in Game 7. Got to win Game 6 first.

World Series Analysis/Breakdown

  V

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.

Technorati Tags: baseball,sports news

Phillies to World Series Again

Last night, the Philiadelphia Phillies used four home runs to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 10-4, to advance to their second straight World Series and a chance to defend their 2008 World Championship. The Phils will await the winner of the New York Yankees - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim series winner with the Yankees currently holding a 3-1 lead with Game 5 tonight.

I totally missed this one. I said L.A. in 6. After the way the Dodgers dispactched the St. Louis Cardinals and their 1-2 punch of Carpenter & Wainwright, who could have envisioned this outcome? As I look back at the NLCS, I realized a few things.

In my preview, I thought the Dodgers held an advantage over the Phillies at third base, bullpen, closer and a push as far as starting pitching. Even with the Phils 3B Pedro Feliz having only 2 hits, he had a higher batting average than Dodgers 3B Casey Blake. Blake hit a cool .105. Feliz, .118.

The pitching, as a whole, mystifies me the most. The Dodgers bullpen and their closer, Jonathon Broxton, were untouchable most of the season. But not when it counted the most. The Dodgers starting staff managed to allow almost a run an inning, walk a total of 23 batters,and Broxton couldn't hold a lead in what proved to be a pivotal Game 4. The Phillies pitches accounted for only 12 walks.

What about the Phillies closer, Brad Lidge (left)? If Lidge is choosing now to pick up where he left off, it couldn't be coming at a better time for Philly fans (and his Philly teammates). Only four Phillies pitchers gave up runs and two of those were starters (Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton). Of all Dodergers pitchers, only one that pitched more than an inning (Ramon Troncoso) did not allow a run.

Among the starting position players, only 1B James Loney (.353) and 2B Ronnie Belliard (.316) hit over .300. L.A. hit a total of 6 home runs, for the series. The Phillies had 4 last night alone. And how were the Dodgers going to score when their leadoff hitter SS Rafael Furcal, did not manage to score a single run in the series? In his 20 at bats, Dodgers CF Matt Kemp saw fit to strikeout 8 times. NLCS MVP Ryan Howard (right) walked 6 times.

Regardless of the outcome of the Angels-Yankees series, the Phillies will be on the road for the first two games of the World Series. With New York holding a 3-1 lead, Yankee Stadium appears to be their destination.

Imagine the runs that series would produce.

ALCS Preview - Angels/Yankees

 v.

Today, we'll take a look at the ALCS between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the New York Yankees. We'll view each position and see which team has the advantage at that position. After all of that, I'll make my prediction on who will win this series between the two best teams in the American League's regular season.

Season series: 5-5 (Yankees won 3-1 at Yankee Stadium, Angels won 4-2 at Angel Stadium). If you could ever look at a stat and see that home field advantage applies, it might be here. Now, the position players.

First base: Angels - Kendry Morales v. Yankees - Mark Teixeira (left)
These are arguably the two best 1B in the AL (Twins and Tigers fans may disagree. And they are legit in those). Both amassed MVP numbers for the season. Tex got most of the press because of playing in New York, but Morales came into his own this season given the fact that Tex went from the Angels to the Yankees in the offseason. Offensively, these guys are even. It's the glove that's the difference.
Advantage: Yankees

Second base: Angels - Howie Kendrick v Yankees - Robinson Cano
Kendrick was sent down to the minors earlier in the season to get his head back together, and the results were good. Cano continues to be in the upper echelon of MLB's second baseman.
Advantage: Yankees

Third base: Angels - Chone Figgins v. Yankees - Alex Rodriguez
There's no Kate Hudson factor that applies here. How did the Angels advance agsint the Red Soxand Figgins didn't even get a hit? That needs to change for the Angels to get past the Yanks. Add this to the talk: ARod did have a good season despite the extensive layoff. Look at these numbers: 30 HR, 100 RBI, batting average of .286. He walked more in '09 than in '08 while playing in 14 less games.
Advantage: Yankees

Shortstop: Angels - Erick Aybar v. Yankees - Derek Jeter
Do I really need yo go through the reasoning?
Advantage: Yankees

Left field: Angels - Juan Rivera v. Yankees - Johnny Damon
The main thing that separates Rivera and Damon from an offensive standpoint is strikeouts. Rivera played in only 5 less games, but struckout 41 less times (Rivera: 57, Damon: 98). Where Rivera gets a decided edge is in the field. He had 11 assists and commited only 2 error. We know it can be an adventure with Damon.
Advantage: Angels

Center field: Angels - Torii Hunter (right) v. Yankees - Melky Cabrera
We will get to see some excellent center fielders in this one. It's the bat that really divides Hunter from Cabrera. Add in the leadership qualities of Hunter and there's even more of separation.
Advantage: Angels

Right field: Angels - Bobby Abreu v. Yankees - Nick Swisher
Abreu did see a slight dip in his HR. He would've hit 30 playing in the new Yankee Stadium. Swisher was just 1 HR shy of 30. That's the only meaningful stat where Swisher has an offensive edge. Defensively, these guys are pretty much even despite the video we've seen of Swisher's misadventures. Abreu has more assists (10 to 2), but he committed more errors (8  to 5). Not as close as everyone thinkd.
Advantage: Angels

Catcher: Angels - Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis v. Yankees - Jorge Posada
Intriguing this is. With New York going with a three man rotation, Posada will most likley catch most of the games. The Angels are more than willing to test his arm. There's the difference.
Advatage: Angels

Designated hitter: Angels - Vladamir Guerrero v. Yankees - Hideki Matsui
Straight offense in this comparison. Neither strike out a whole lot which is important for the DH. Matsui will take a walk and we know Vlad is almost impossible to walk. Guerrero missed about a third of the season due to injury and Matsui appears to have his legs under him. Plus, Matsui has bts around him in the order for protection. Vlad doesn't have as much of that.
Advantage: Yankees

Starting pitching:
The Yankess will go with a three man rotation (CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettitte). I'm not totally liking that, but if the weather is a factor (and it looks like it might), then it could be interesting for New York. That might put the Yanks more in the driver's seat, but you cannot discout the Angels four (John Lackey, Joe Saunders, Jared Weaver (left), Scott Kazmir). Lackey has almost as much grit as any pitcher in the majors. Weaver had a career high 16 wins and can go the distance if needed. So much coser than people think.
Advantage: Yankees...barely

Bullpen:
Can you name one pitcher (besides the closer) for the Angels? It might be that East Coast bias working. That might be a good thing. We know the Yanks will send out Joba for the 7th and Hughes for the 8th. Hughes showed a bit of vunerability against the Twins and that could lead to trouble if not corrected.
Advantage: Yankees

Closer: Angels - Brain Fuentes v. Yankees - Mariano Rivera (right)
Fuentes blew 8 save opportunities and has an ERA of 3.93. Rivera blew 2 save opportunities and had an ERA of 1.76. You can get two innings from Rivera, if you need it. Is there any better in postseason anyway?
Advantage: Yankees

Bench:
Both have defensive replacements in the outfield and infield. With Gary Matthews, Jr., Maicer Izturis, and Reggie Willits, there's a speed factor. The Yankees can offset that with Brett Gardner and Jerry Hairston, Jr. But New York has Eric Hinskee that can change a game with one swing. The Angels don't really have that type of luxury.
Advantage: Yankees

If you go up and down, it looks like New York has a decided edge...and they do. But I'm going away from all of that and taking the Angels in 7. Something just tells me.....

NLCS Preview - Phillies/Dodgers

 v

The NLCS starts on Thursday night at 8:07. Let's look at the teams and see what the series will hold for baseball fans.

Season series: Dodgers won, 4-3. Can't really get a whole lot out of this, except maybe the fact that the Dodgers won 2 of 3 in Philly and split 2-2 in L.A. No real home field advantage for the Dodgers.

First base: Ryan Howard (PHI) v James Loney (LAD)
Howard showed that he is an offensive force, but Loney is a bit better with the glove. In fact, 2009 was Loney's best defensive season since he became the full time 1B. Still, Howard will change a game with one mammoth swing while Loney lacks the power.
Advantage: Phillies

Second base: Chase Utley (PHI) v Ronnie Belliard/Orlando Hudson (LAD)
Utley's bat is one of the more feared bats in the NL. Playing potentially more games in Los Angeles falls into his benefit because Utley hits 23 points higher on the road (.270 at home/.293 on the road). That's weird considering "The Bank" (Citizens Bank Park in Philly) is considered a hitters park. If the NLDS is any indication, Belliard will most likely get more playing time. He's been the better hitter, but Hudson has won a Gold Glove and defense may be more of a commodity for Dodgers to advance.
Advantage: Phillies

Third base: Pedro Feliz (PHI) v Casey Blake (LAD)
Not a glamorous matchup here, but a very important one for both teams. Feliz is not asked to do much offensively because of all the other power bats the Phillies have. He just mans third, gets a hit here and there, and drives in a run or two. Blake is more relied on by his team for his bat to the point where on occasion he's hit clean up. Blake's hitting .320 against lefties. Feliz is hitting .208 against the southpaws.
Advantage: Dodgers

Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins (PHI) v Rafael Furcal (LAD)
We've heard so much talk of Rollins not being the same player as his MVP season of 2007. He's not the same player, granted, but Rollins still is a leader on the Phillies. Compare his 2009 stats to that of Furcal. The only stat where Furcal has the advantage is in batting average, and I'm including fileding percentage.
Advantage: Phillies

Left field: Raul Ibanez (PHI) v Manny Ramirez (LAD)
At the beginning of the season, Ibanez was well on his way to being a viable MVP candidate. A stint on the DL curbed that, but Raul put together is best offensvie season of his career. Manny put together a 50 game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. And he wasn't the same Manny after returning.
Advantage: Phillies

Center field: Shane Victorino (PHI) v Matt Kemp (LAD)
A push? Almost. These are the two best fielding center fielders in the NL. The difference is with the stick. Kemp has more a of tendency to go deep. Believe it or not, Kemp also had more stolen bases.
Advantage: Dodgers

Right field: Jayson Werth (PHI) v Andre Ethier (LAD)
Name one ML team that wouldn't love to have either of these guys in right field. You can't really. They both hit for power and deliver clutch hits.
Advantage: Push

Catcher: Carlos Ruiz (PHI) v Russell Martin (LAD)
Both Ruiz and Martin are great defensively and can regularly throw out potential thefts on the base paths. It all comes down to the bat. Last year, Martin had the clear cut advantage. This year, not so much. Despite playing in 36 less games, Ruiz had more homers (9 to 7) and only 10 less RBI (43 to 53). Ruiz doesn't strikeout as often either, and he's been hitting in the postseason while Martin is still struggling.
Advantage: Phillies

Starting pitching:
Neither manager has announced any type of a rotation as of this post, but here's what I know. The Phillies will most likley go with Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Joe Blanton and maybe J.A. Happ. I anticipate L.A. to keep the same three (Randy Wolf, Clayton Kershaw, Vicente Padilla) and throw in possibly Hiroki Kuroda if he can go. If not, then Chad Billingsley is a potential 4th starter. You look at the names and it seems like a runaway for the Phillies. Not so fast. The Dodgers starters had the best ERA during the regular season. Those guys can flat out pitch.
Advantage: Push

Bullpen:
Both teams sport a lefty specialist (Scott Eyre for PHI and Hong-Chih Kuo for LAD). But where the Dodgers are better suited in the pen is George Sherrill. He's closed before with success. Add this: the Dodgers have the league's best pen, too.
Advantage: Dodgers

Closer: Brad Lidge (PHI) v Jonathon Broxton (LAD)
This season has been a chronicle for Lidge. Last year, he was perfect. This year, he had a ton of blown saves. But keep this in mind. Lidge didn't struggle in the NLDS against the Rockies. He almost resembled the Lidge of '08 in the clincher displaying his nasty slider. Broxton works on the other end of the spectrum. Hw throws heat and dares you to think about swinging at a 100mph pitch. Lidge has been here before, so that closes the gap.
Advantage: Dodgers

Bench:
The Phillies have the "professional hitter", Matt Stairs. The Dodgers can now match that with Jim Thome. The Phillies have a great pinch hitter in Greg Dobbs. The Dodgers can counter with Mark Loretta. Philly has Ben Francisco to be a defensive replacement in the outfield. L.A. has their "glue" in Juan Pierre.
Advantage: Dodgers

If you go down the positions (according to my breakdown), it's even. The tie breaker: managers. I know the Phillies won with Charlie Manuel last year, but I have to go with Joe Torre. There's not a situation he hasn't seen. Put this tidbit in your rolodex: Torre has said he most likely will not return as the Dodger skipper following next season. Makes you wonder if the motivational mind of Torre isn't already at work.

Dodgers in 6 for me.

MLB AL Playoff Breakdown

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Season series: Yankees 7-0

First base: Michael Cuddyer (Twins)/Mark Teixeira (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

Tex will likely finish 2nd in the AL MVP voting while Cuddyer has moved from right field due to the season ending injury to Justin Morneau

Second base: Nick Punto or Alexi Casilla (Twins)/Robinson Cano (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

Casilla's a hero right now in the Twin Cities, but Cano can get you a home run and he turns a DP better than any second baseman in baseball.

Third base: Matt Tolbert (Twins)/Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

We all know of A-Rod's struggles in the postseason, but maybe he's due this year...

Shortstop: Orlando Cabrera (Twins)/Derek Jeter (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

Cabrera was picked up before the trade deadline and helped to solidify the Twins infield, but Jeter had maybe his best overall season of his HOF career.

Left field: Delmon Young (Twins)/Johnny Damon (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

Young is still a bit raw but played well down the stretch. Damon's playoff experience gives him a slight nod.

Center field: Denard Span or Carlos Gomez (Twins)/Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner (Yankees)

Advantage: PUSH

It will most likely be Span and Cabrera starting but Gomez and Gardner could see a lot of time, too. Cabrera is the better defensively but Span can be a terror on the bases

Right field: Jason Kubel (Twins)/Nick Swisher (Yankees)

Advantage: Twins

Both are somewhat a defensive liability, but Kubel has better offesive numbers and the Twins need all the punch they can get.

Catcher: Joe Mauer (Twins)/Jorge Posada (Yankees)

Advantage: Twins

This is a lot closer than anyone can imagine. Mauer will most likely (and should) be the MVP, but Posada has more postseason experience and that closes the gap.

DH: Brenden Harris or Jose Morales (Twins)/Hideki Matsui (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

Matsui has recovered from injuries and his presence makes the Yankees lineup so much more potent.

Starting pitching: Brian Duensing, Nick Blackburn, Carl Pavano, Scott Baker (Twins)/ CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

If the Twins didn't have to use Baker recently, their rotation wouldn't look like it's a mess. The Yankees, despite the names, aren't as solid as everyone believes

Closer: Joe Nathan (Twins)/Mariano Rivera (Yankees)

Advantage: Yankees

If I was comparing any other closer to Nathan, the Twins would have the edge. Just not against the greatest closer of all time.

If the Twins can find another dash of magic and pull off a victory in Game 1, that may cause Yankees fans to push the panic button. Sabathia hasn't had much postseason success, so winning today is critical for the psyche of the Yankees despite having tons of playoff experience. The Twins are just plain scrappy and have more grit than any other team in the postseson. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says he has ball players. Thing is, the Twins just can't win in New York. Yankees in 4.

v.

Season series: Angels 5-4

First base: Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)/Kendry Morales (Angels)
Advantage: Red Sox
Morales did put up better offensive numbers, but Youk has the better glove.

Second base: Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox)/Howie Kendrick (Angels)

Advantage: Red Sox

Pedroia didn't duplicate his MVP campaign of last year, but Kendrick was sent down earlier in the season to get straight.

Third base: Mike Lowell (Red Sox)/Chone Figgins (Angels)

Advantage: Angels

Lowell hasn't totally recovered from his surgery. Teams gameplan around Figgins because he demands that much attention.

Shortstop: Alex Gonzalez (Red Sox)/Erick Aybar (Angels)

Advantage: Angels

Will Gonzalez be able to give it a go? It's the postseason, so expect him to play. Aybar is on the rise as far as young SS go. He could be the X-factor for the Angels.

Left field: Jason Bay (Red Sox)/Juan Rivera (Angels)

Advantage: PUSH

Bay was an MVP candidate until just before the All-Star break, but faded. Rivera ended up with better offensive numbers but Bay is a slightly better fielder.

Center field: Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox)/Torii Hunter (Angels)

Advantage: Angels

Hunter was also in the runing for MVP until an injury derailed him. But Hunter has bounced back to the same level. Ellsbury could be the next great centerfilder.

Right field: J.D. Drew (Red Sox)/Bobby Abreu (Angels)

Advantage: Angels

Drew did have a decent offensive campaign, but his rash of nagging injuries has curtailed his defense. Some are saying Abreu deserves some MVP considerations. Nobody but the Angels wanted him. They're laughing at the rest of MLB.

Catcher: Jason Varitek and Victor Martinez (Red Sox)/Mike Napoli (Angels)

Advantage: Angels

Here's the only reason I took the Angels...the Angels will run, run, and then run some more on the Sox catching duo.

DH: David Ortiz (Red Sox)/Vladimir Guerrero (Angels)

Advantage: Red Sox

This is almost a push, but Ortiz has picked it up over the last couple of weeks.

Starting pitching: Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchhoz (Red Sox)/John Lackey, Jared Weaver, Scott Kazmir, Joe Saunders (Angels)

Advantage: Red Sox

Even though Beckett has had his recent stuggles, he's one of the best postseason pitchers of this generation. If he pulls it together, the Angels could be in trouble because if this series goes to a fifth game, Beckett will get the ball in Game 5.

Closer: Jonathon Papelbon (Red Sox)/Brian Fuentes (Angels)

Advantage: Red Sox

Fuentes may have 48 saves, but he's really struggled over the last month.

This should be the year the Angels break through against Boston, but it could easily go the full five games. The main difference is the bullpen. The Angels have had major struggles recently while the Red Sox have been one of the best pens all season. I look for this to go the distance with the Angels using the Rally Monkey to get the Red Sox monkey off their back. If the Angels are able to run on the Red Sox catchers, it will spell doom in Boston. Angels in 5. I think they can be beat Beckett.

MLB NL Playoff Breakdown

v.

Season series: Cards 5-2

First base: Albert Pujols (Cardinals)/ James Loney (Dodgers)
Advantage: Cardinals
Pujols is not going to be MVP for nothing, but he's asked to do much more than Loney.

Second base: Skip Schumaker (Cardinals)/Orlando Hudson (Dodgers)
Advantage: Dodgers
Offensively, it's pretty much a push, but Hudson is a former Gold Glover and Schumaker just took up the position this year.

Shortstop: Brenden Ryan (Cardinals)/Rafael Furcal (Dodgers)
Advantage: Cardinals
Ryan wasn't even the starter at the beginning of the season, but he's been the most pleasant surprise. Furcal is actually the one the Dodgers need to find his swing as he sets the table for Ramirez, Ethier, and Kemp

Third base: Mark DeRosa (Cardinals)/Casey Blake (Dodgers)
Advantage: PUSH
Both can control the bat, both are better than adequate fielders. It's almost like seeing double.

Left field: Matt Holliday (Cardinals)/Manny Ramirez (Dodgers)
Advantage: Cardinals
Holliday led the charge for the Cards and has taken considerable pressure off Pujols. Meanwhile, Manny's just Manny.

Center field: Colby Rasmus (Cardinals)/Matt Kemp (Dodgers)
Advantage: Dodgers
Kemp is the most complete player on the Dodger roster and is a 5 tool player. Rasmus is a legit Rookie of the Year candidate.

Right field: Ryan Ludwick (Cardinals)/Andre Ethier (Dodgers)
Advantage: Dodgers
This is so close, but Ethier's knack for heroics is the only difference.

Catcher: Yadier Molina (Cardinals)/Russell Martin (Dodgers)
Advantage: Cardinals
What Molina doesn't generate with the bat, he more than makes up for it with his glove and arm. Martin struggled almost all season and never got on track.

Starting pitching: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Joel Pineiro (Cardinals)/Randy Wolf, Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Vicente Padilla (Dodgers)
Advantage: Cardinals
Carpenter and Wainwright will battle it out for the Cy Young in the NL. But the Dodgers pitching staff did lead the NL in ERA (3.41). The Dodgers starting situation appears so up in the air that this looks lopsided.

Closer: Ryan Franklin (Cardinals)/Jonathon Broxton (Dodgers)
Advantage: Dodgers
The main reason for the Dodgers get this one is that Franklin has struggled a bit as of late.

As much as everyone wants to write of Joe Torre's guys, I wouldn't be so quick to do so. While I think the Cards should prevail, it could easily go the full five games if L.A. gets quality starts. Funny, the Dodgers had the NL's best record and it feels like they're underdogs due to the way they finished the season. Oh yeah, the Dodgers are the underdog. The Cards, 3-1.

v.

Season series: Phillies won 4-2

First base: Todd Helton (Rockies)/Ryan Howard (Phillies)
Advantage: Phillies
Helton holds the Rockies together, but Howard is the most potenet bat (and an underrated fielder) in the Phils lineup.

Second base: Clint Barmes (Rockies)/Chase Utley (Phillies)
Advantage: Phillies
This is a no-brainer, but Barmes has emerged as a legit ML second baseman.

Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies)/Jimmy Rollins (Phillies)
Advantage: Rockies
Tulo has carried the Rockies while Rollins has not come cloe to returning to his MVP form.

Third base: Ian Stewart (Rockies)/Pedro Feliz (Phillies)
Advatage: PUSH
Stewart hits more for power and Feliz hits more for average.

Left field: Seth Smith or Ryan Spilborghs (Rockies)/Raul Ibanez (Phillies)
Advantage: Phillies
Before he was injured, Ibanez was a legit MVP contender. With his injury, he had his best offesive season ever.

Center field: Carlos Gonzalez or Dexter Fowler (Rockies)/Shane Victorino (Phillies)
Advantage: Phillies
Victorino could win the Gold Glove. His D is a major difference.

Right field: Brad Hawpe (Rockies)/Jayson Werth (Phillies)
Advatage: Phillies
The only reason I give Werth the nod is he's been more consistent for the season. Hawpe has struggled since the All-Star game.

Starting pitching: Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis, Jorge de la Rosa, Aaron Cook (Rockies)/Cliff Lee, J.A. Happ, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton (Phillies)
Advantage: Phillies
If the Rockies starters weren't so beat up, they could make this a very interesting series.

Closer: Huston Street (Rockies)/Brad Lidge (Phillies)
Advantage: Rockies
Is there any need for stating why Street gets the nod? Here's one anyway. Street has blown only 2 saves this year. There.

If the Rockies starting staff can get healthy, this would be a tight series as the Phillies bullpen issues may affect Happ's playoff status. There's been talk of moving Happ to the bullpen. That would leave Le and Hamels but does Blanton get the start for game 3? If Happ does not go the the pen, he starts game 3 and that might be the closing game. I don't think the Rockies can deal with the Phillies offense. Phils in 4.