Philly Preview

Phillies/Yankees.

The Yankees need to win at least one of these three games to stay on pace to contend for a playoff spot. That could be very tough.

Philly is a very strong team, with championship confidence and an ability to perform under pressure. They are also expertly coached. Their pitching staff is consistent and confident, and their bullpen is probably better than the Yankee bullpen right now.

I expect the Phillies to win at least two of these games, but I wouldn't put money on it, as the Yankees are the hottest team in baseball right now. Let's look at the series game-by-game.

Game 1: The Myers/Burnett game might be the best bet for the Yankees to pull out a win. However, the Yankee bullpen was taxed yesterday by Joba's indolence, and will not be fresh.

Game 2: The Pettitte/Happ game looks brutal. Nobody's seen this Happ guy before, and I don't think he's a starter. But he has been dominant in relief. I don't see the Yankees winning this game.

Game 3: The Sabathia/Hamels game will be the most interesting of all. At the start of the season I called him "CC Sabustia" because he pitched so poorly in the first game. I even said he was the "A-Rod of pitchers". Though he is sure to compile excellent statistics over time, it's still possible that he's a complete bust in high-profile games.
Game 3 will be a high-profile game, with even more intensity if the Yankees have lost either or both of the first two games. And that will be CC's chance to prove me wrong.