We are about to learn what happens when two stretch-running stakes horses match up in a best-of-five series. Have two ballclubs ever gone into the postseason on a hotter roll? Having rested ace Cole Hamels to run the first leg, plus the homefield advantage, gives the Phillies a photo edge in what could be the best of the division matchups. The Rockies rock on offense and have the NL's stingiest defense - despite leather liability, MVP co-favorite, Matt Holliday in left. Clint Hurdle's pitching is young, deep, fearless and wild enough to keep hitters off balance.
The Phillies have great top-to-bottom power. They also have the National League's best lineup speed. Jimmy Rollins previewed the winning blueprint for the East Champions - sounds good, right? - in Sunday's tour de force: Single, steal, steal, jog home on Chase Utley's sac fly. Charlie Manuel has to remember that his ballclub's great surge from seven back to one ahead was fueled by a withering balance between smallball and longball, not just touch-'em-all heroics. That should work for the better part of October.
My pick: Cole Hamels will bring enough order to an entertaining, high-scoring series to bring the Phillies home.
-- Phillies in 5.
Sam Donnellon
Tuesday night, towels waving, Cole Hamels on the hill looking for his second victory of this short series with a national television audience watching. It doesn't get any bigger than this.
Tuesday night, towels waving, Cole Hamels on the hill looking for his second victory of this short series with a national television audience watching. It doesn't get any bigger than this.
This is the October that Cole Hamels goes from a local hero to a national name. Two victories over a team as prolific, and hot, as the Colorado Rockies will begin a career that will etch him onto the list of big-game arms, guys who could channel their lust for the spotlight rather than be consumed by it.
