Friday, October 16, 2009

LCS Opinions

- Last night shows the fundamental difference between the Phillies and Dodgers that still exists. If there is nothing else the Phillies have done better than any other team in the last 3 seasons, it's the ability to drop the hammer when the other team is waiting for the bell to ring. You watch them and you can tell they have this sixth sense of when they have chance to a bury a team(i.e. Howard's 2-run double in Colorado and in the 5th last night, Ibanez's 3-run shot in the 8th) and they usually do. On the flip side, the Dodgers had chances with the bases loaded in the 6th, a runner at 2nd with no out in the 7th, runners at the corners in the 8th and a lead off hit in the 9th and couldn't cash in. Outside of Cliff Lee, the rotations are even, L.A. has a better bench and bullpen, but they just can't finish, and that's why The Champs are who they are.

- Add this to the list of Phillie breaks over the last 3 years: Brad Lidge correcting himself just in time for the postseason run. Of course he would, these things always happen for the Phils.

- What will the Yankees do now that Ronan Tynan can't ice the opposing pitcher for 10 minutes in the 7th inning?

- It's essential for the Angels to take Game 1 tonight in The Bronx. I'm sure they'd feel satisfied with a split, but with the level of expectations for the Yankees right now, taking the first game would take the air out of the place and the feeling that L.A. is in their heads would be back.

- Picks : Phillies in 5, Yankees in 6......somebody kill me.