| World Series Repeat Looking More and More Likely |
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The World Series approaches and it seems my World Series predictions are starting to change. Is it a product of almost every division winner being decided already? Maybe my mind is wandering and I’m starting to get ideas? For whatever reason, I’m drifting from the Yankees as my pick to win it all. Maybe it’s the Joba Rules fiasco or A.J. Burnett’s recent struggles. More likely, though, it’s that the Phillies look like the deepest team in baseball right now. Arguably, their current rotation is better than that of their championship 2008 roster. Cole Hamels is still an ace when it counts and Cliff Lee has truly earned 1A status. Joe Blanton is the epitome of a mid-rotation innings eater. J.A. Happ has the inside track on NL Rookie of the Year honors. That leaves the Pedro Martinez/Jamie Moyer combo as the final slot. How’s that for depth? The offense more than measures up, too, as the Phillies have four of the National League’s top 11 home-run hitters. Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez all have 30-plus homers this season. Insanity. If there’s one problem for Philly entering the postseason, it’s the bullpen. Then again, the Phillies have plenty of capable guys ready to step up should Brad Lidge falter. Brett Myers has done it before and even Pedro would be a very intriguing closer choice. Look out, Yankees…the Phillies are poised to repeat. |