The Philadelphia Phillies have been a target all year, as are all defending champions. The 2009 edition of the title holders were able to conclude the season with a 93-69 record, a .574 percentage. These wins were not simple. The struggling closer, Brad Lidge had a league leading 11 Blown Saves. The defending world champions had further matters in the bull pen with multiple injuries, and a 50 game suspension dealt to J.C. Romero, one of the few left hands available for situational relief. The only lefties remaining in the bull pen this post season are veteran Scott Eyre, who is having post season surgery for bone chips in his elbow and is day to day, and rookie Antonio Bastardo.
The starting staff also had taken a huge blow with the poor play of World Series MVP Cole Hamels, the loss of number 2 starter Brett Myers to hip surgery, and the loss of 46 year old veteran Jamie Moyer who had season-ending surgery after tearing muscles in his groin and lower abdomen.
There were also issues at the plate. When Jimmy Rollins gets on base, the Phillies win 7 out of 10 times. Jimmy had a .250 average, which was his lowest since he signed with the team as a rookie. His on-base percentage, .296, was the worst it had been in his career. Though he had a better second half, the playoffs we not much better. He was batting a cold .216, however when he did hit, they were at clutch times towards the end of the games, one producing a walk off victory.
The pinch hitting was also an uphill battle. Greg Dobbs, who was a .301 pinch hitter in 2008, was reduced to a .247 average. That may look good, but after an injury late in the season he never recovered. Matt Stairs, a self proclaimed home run hitter batted a frigged .194 with 5 home runs.
There were the bright spots in the lineup that got the Phillies to the big dance. The pickup of Cliff Lee, former American League Cy Young winner and Ben Francisco were added before the trade deadline and both have proved to be remarkable additions. This is not to mention future Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, an experiment, who simply wants the ball and has been outstanding. GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. deserves much credit.
In addition, the core of the team, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Pedro Feliz, Carlos Ruiz, and newly added in 2009 Raul Ibanez have been solid. What's unique about the Phillies is that when one is having an off night, one of the others picks up the slack. In fact, this group hit a team record 11 grand slams this season, nothing short of remarkable. This group had 43 regular season come from behind wins, very comforting to a pitching staff.
The intimidating thing about playing the Phillies is they’ve been here before. They’re a group who know how to win and stick together. There aren't many holes in this lineup, so who can you put on base if needed when the next batter is just as dangerous.
As a TBS commentator stated, they are an American League hitting team in the National league. The series with the Yankees comes down to one thing for the fightin’ Phillies, pitching. The team will go as far as closer Brad Lidge will take them, and though he had 11 blown saves this year, he had a perfect season last year. This post season, the 2008 version has been shown up. He’s perfect.
Manager Charlie Manuel, a Philadelphia and player favorite, said in several press conferences, this is the best group of guys he's ever managed. "The all love to come out and play the game of baseball". If this holds true, they have a good chance of becoming a dynasty, and the first team to win back to back World Series since the big red machine, Cincinnati Reds, in 1975 and 1976. In Philadelphia, 2008 and 2009 sound like just what the doctor ordered.
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