World Series Preview
Sports Editors
Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: Sports
Philadelphia Phillies
National League Champions
For the first time in 15 years, the Philadelphia Phillies are representing the National League in this year's Fall Classic.
The Phillies eliminated the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games to win the N.L. Championship series, boosting their playoff record to 8-2 behind left-handed ace Cole Hamels and an explosive offensive lineup that scored runs in bunches through two postseason rounds.
When it hasn't put up big numbers, the Phillies offense struggled. After leading the regular season in HR and RBI, cleanup hitter Ryan Howard has hit .200 with no home runs and 3 RBI. Leadoff batter Jimmy Rollins hit .143 in the NLCS.
The team's offensive strength has come from centerfielder Shane Victorino, batting .293 with 2 HR and 11 RBI. Late-season acquisition Matt Stairs hit a pinch-hit, game-winning, two-run home run in game four against Los Angeles.
Hamels, the NLCS MVP, posted a postseason-best 1.23 ERA and struck out 22 en route to his game one World Series start.
Brett Myers made more noise as a hitter than he did as a starter in the postseason's early rounds, batting 1.000 with 3 RBI and two walks against Milwaukee Brewers ace C.C. Sabbathia in the NLDS. On the mound, Myers went 2-0 with a 5.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts.
Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer round out Philadelphia's rotation. Blanton won the clinching game of the NLDS. After leading the Phillies staff with 16 wins, Moyer has struggled this postseason with two losses and a 13.50 ERA.
Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge did not blow a save in the regular season, and his success has continued into postseason play. The Phillies bullpen entered postseason play with a league-best 3.19 ERA.
Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel lost his mother, June, during the NLCS. Manuel and the Phillies struggled against American League teams this season, going 4-11 against American League teams in interleague play.
Tampa Bay Rays
National League Champions
For the first time in 15 years, the Philadelphia Phillies are representing the National League in this year's Fall Classic.
The Phillies eliminated the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games to win the N.L. Championship series, boosting their playoff record to 8-2 behind left-handed ace Cole Hamels and an explosive offensive lineup that scored runs in bunches through two postseason rounds.
When it hasn't put up big numbers, the Phillies offense struggled. After leading the regular season in HR and RBI, cleanup hitter Ryan Howard has hit .200 with no home runs and 3 RBI. Leadoff batter Jimmy Rollins hit .143 in the NLCS.
The team's offensive strength has come from centerfielder Shane Victorino, batting .293 with 2 HR and 11 RBI. Late-season acquisition Matt Stairs hit a pinch-hit, game-winning, two-run home run in game four against Los Angeles.
Hamels, the NLCS MVP, posted a postseason-best 1.23 ERA and struck out 22 en route to his game one World Series start.
Brett Myers made more noise as a hitter than he did as a starter in the postseason's early rounds, batting 1.000 with 3 RBI and two walks against Milwaukee Brewers ace C.C. Sabbathia in the NLDS. On the mound, Myers went 2-0 with a 5.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts.
Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer round out Philadelphia's rotation. Blanton won the clinching game of the NLDS. After leading the Phillies staff with 16 wins, Moyer has struggled this postseason with two losses and a 13.50 ERA.
Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge did not blow a save in the regular season, and his success has continued into postseason play. The Phillies bullpen entered postseason play with a league-best 3.19 ERA.
Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel lost his mother, June, during the NLCS. Manuel and the Phillies struggled against American League teams this season, going 4-11 against American League teams in interleague play.
Tampa Bay Rays
Be the first to comment on this story