For the third year in a row, the Philadelphia Phillies are in the post season. As defending world series champions the pressure is all on the Phillies. I am not as confident in this team as I was last year. Mostly because of the pitching. The bullpen which was rock solid last year has been luke warm at best, and the starters save for Joe Blanton and JA Happ have been very inconsistent. Cliff Lee the mid-season acquistion who came over and lit the other teams up, fizzled out, and Cole Hamels, I have renamed Cold Hamels.
Another worry for me is the closer situation. Right now I have more confidence in Ryan Madson than Brad Lidge, but knowing the way Charlie manages I imagine that Lidge will be his man. I like Madson in the closers role, but he is also perfect as an eighth inning man.
As for the offense, I'm not really concerned the team just needs to keep doing what they do best.
I say the Phillies win the first series 3-1, splitting the series here at home.
--gfo
