Thursday, October 2, 2008

2008 World Series Prediction

Phildelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Angels

This would be a great matchup if it were to happen. Both teams have the pitching to get here and both have very potent offensive line ups. The heart of the order of both teams are arguably the best in both leagues.

Breaking it down:

Bull Pen: Advantage Angels
With K-Rod as your closer you should always get the edge. He's arguably the best closer in the MLB. Add Jose Arrendono and Scott Shields and they're virtually unstoppable. They have the arms to win it all.

Starting Rotation: Advantage Angels
Once again I have to give the edge to the Angels. The Phillies rotation may not be the best but they still have some capable arms. Cole Hamels is one of the best aces out there when he's on his game. He never gives up a lot of runs and he'll keep you in every game. The Angels may not have a dominant starter, but they are deep. John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders is an outstanding trio to have.

Offense: Advantage Phillies
Both teams can put up runs, but the Phillies make up on offense is unbelievable. Jimmy Rollins is one of the best lead off hitters out there, plus he is the most efficient base runner in the league (47 SB out of 50 attempts). Shane Victorino can come up with the big hit and move Rollins over. Chase Utley is a dangerous three hitter and Ryan Howard has that raw power. Pat Burrell is a scary 5 hitter too. The bottom of the order can produce with Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz.

Defense: Advantage Angels
The infield is solid with SS Erick Aybar and 2B Howie Kendrick up the middle. They may be one of the best up the middle defensive teams out there. Chone Figgens is also a solid 3B and utility player. The outfield is the best in all of baseball with Torii Hunter patrolling center field and Vlad Guerrero's arm out in RF.

The Pick: Los Angeles Angels in 7

This is a pretty even matchup but the Angels will get it done. They have a big pitching advantage over the Phillies and that's what will get it done in the end.

5 comments:

Jess said...

As a die-hard Philly fan, I have to respectfully disagree. I'm clinging to the hope that the Phils will pull it off this year.

Don't worry though, I'm not delusional. I know it's a team from Philly and I should prepare to have my heart ripped out and stomped on.

Anonymous said...

I'm with jess... My hopes are high, but not too high.

Also, how can you not mention that Brad Lidge is "arguably the best closer in the MLB" in the same sentence as K-Rod? The man was perfect this season... literally.

Granted, yesterday he scared the crap out of me, and also on Saturday the 26th (I was at that game... for my birthday... best birthday present ever!)... but he's at least worth a mention.

Good article though.

Anonymous said...

^^ I meant the 27th... can't believe I got my own B-Day wrong lol.

Stefan Ming said...

haha and i have to agree that Lidge is a great closer and one of the best out there, I just feel if I had to choose one it would be K-Rod

NDIrish11 said...

The Angels may have trouble with the Sox first round. They already lost 1 and it was at home.