The Philadelphia Phillies continue their defense of the 2008 World Championship facing the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second year in a row in the National League Championship Series to move on to the World Series.
While the Phillies perhaps have a stronger starting rotation for 2009, their offense is essentially the same adding Raul Ibanez basically an even-up swap out for Pat Burrell who left for Tampa Bay. Their bullpen has become their biggest weakness starting with closer Brad Lidge who was perfect in 2008, 41 saves, 41 chances but fell off to 31 out of 42 this year.
In the divisional round, the Philly bullpen bent and shook but did not fold coming through to preserve both victories in mile high Denver territory.
If Philadelphia intends to beat Los Angeles in the League Championship Series, winning in five games will be more difficult. The 2008 Dodgers went 84-78 just a tad over .500 while the Phillies posted a 92-70 record. This year, however, the Dodgers improved by eleven games with the best record in the National League, a 95-67 record while the Phillies upped their total by one game finishing 93-69.
The Dodgers refined their lineup making it deeper with a more resourceful bullpen. Add to that, they’ll enjoy home field advantage. What a tough series to call!
While the Phillies perhaps have a stronger starting rotation for 2009, their offense is essentially the same adding Raul Ibanez basically an even-up swap out for Pat Burrell who left for Tampa Bay. Their bullpen has become their biggest weakness starting with closer Brad Lidge who was perfect in 2008, 41 saves, 41 chances but fell off to 31 out of 42 this year.
In the divisional round, the Philly bullpen bent and shook but did not fold coming through to preserve both victories in mile high Denver territory.
If Philadelphia intends to beat Los Angeles in the League Championship Series, winning in five games will be more difficult. The 2008 Dodgers went 84-78 just a tad over .500 while the Phillies posted a 92-70 record. This year, however, the Dodgers improved by eleven games with the best record in the National League, a 95-67 record while the Phillies upped their total by one game finishing 93-69.
The Dodgers refined their lineup making it deeper with a more resourceful bullpen. Add to that, they’ll enjoy home field advantage. What a tough series to call!
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