National League Divisional Series

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies

The expected starters for the Phillies are Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton. A fourth starter needs yet to be announced but I strongly recommend J.A. Happ and would actually make him their number 3. The Rockies announced Ubaldo Jimenez as their number 1 starter, with Aaron Cook going in Game 2. The remaining starters are Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Marquis.

The Phillies have the potentially better pitchers in the rotation but they did not always live up to the expectations.

Throughout the season I liked the Rockies starters but if you followed “Pitch Or Ditch” you will have noticed that I lost faith in some of them towards the end of the season.

I favour the rotation of the Phillies slightly but J.A. Happ could make all the difference if he was to pitch in Game 3. Trust me!

The Phillies will need strong outings from their starters because their bullpen can potentially turn a lead into a loss at every opportunity. Brad Lidge has been flat-out horrendous and Ryan Madson blew 6 saves in 16 opportunities.

The Rockies bullpen isn’t actually that much better but if you bring in Huston Street to save the game he most likely will. He converted 35 of 37 save opportunities this season.

Unless the Phillies can sort out their shambolic bullpen the advantage goes to the Rockies.

The Phillies can field a star-studded line-up, whereas the Rockies are a bunch of talented young players. Both teams are extremely powerful and can put up runs on the scoreboard. Add the fact that both ballparks are hitter’s parks you can expect some high scoring games in this series. The Rockies have been hitting slightly better than the Phillies, which goes for batting average, on-base percentage and slugging.

The line-ups appear to be equally good but if I had to favour one it would be the Rockies. 

This series has a huge potential for upset but I’m afraid I have to join the bookies and most expert’s opinions by saying that the Phillies will pull it off.

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies 3-2.