Broad Street vs. Broadway: Bring It on, New York

It is the storied franchise against the defending World Series Champions, the Bronx Bombers vs. Dem Phightin Phils, Philly vs. New York, and yes, it’s Broad Street vs. Broadway, baby.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready for one helluva roller coaster ride as the Phils travel to the Bronx to duke it out with the evil empire as the last seven games of the season are set to commence on Wednesday.

Now this is a fall classic!

The pretty boys in black and grey will square off against the scrappy defending champions adorned in red and white, in a matchup that has everyone from your grandmother to your next door neighbor talking.

As the season closed this year, many expressed the sentiment that it would be what is being called a “turnpike series.”

I know it’s a pretty bad tag, but let’s get beyond that, shall we?

Make no mistake about it: There is no love here between the two teams. Although they play in opposite leagues, Philly and New York are just as much rivals as Kane and Able. They hold just as much disdain for one another as a Blue Jay does for a Cardinal.

Yikes, where did that come from?

This Wednesday will feature two pitchers who donned the same jersey at one point in their careers, only to make their exodus for greener pastures, and lo and behold they did it: Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia.

Lee, the dominant and unbeatable postseason grace afforded to the Phillies, will enter in this contest still shouldering the burden of something to prove; he is that damn good.

Lee has been nothing short of spectacular, making most people feel he has attained indomitable form, utilizing an incredible changeup that rears four different looks, as well as utilizing two types of fastballs that have left most hitters seething at the plate.

On the other side is Sabathia, who simply pitches to win. Sabathia is a gritty pitcher who will not win with grace and form, rather he’ll win with a forceful, almost commanding notion of a “beat me if you can” approach.

And this is just the pitching.

The Phils boast a league best in RBI, road wins, HRs, and just about everything else you can think of.

The Yanks boast A-Rod, Jeter, Damon, Cabrera, and a dominant starting rotation.

But it is that rotation that comes into serious question as we approach Game One.

Yes, the Yankees have pitched well, but a three-man rotation? Unless I missed something, you don’t tax your starting pitchers at the most important time of the year. Apparently the Yankees felt this was a good idea.

Now, with nominal rest at best, the Yankees have to deal with the best hitting, run producing machine in all of baseball. And after their famed two-game start at home, they will have to do it for three in Philadelphia. Trust me, “The City of Brotherly Love” will quickly become “The City of We Hate Your Freakin Guts!”

Resting a team of potent hitters doesn’t come without its price, however.

The series will open up in some pretty frigid temperatures, and the resting bodies of the Phillies’ hitting squad will be a bit tighter than their Yankee counterparts, so errors and a discerning eye on the ball when hitting will be the most important factor in Game One.

If the Phils can jump out to a big lead early, they can set the tone in this contest as they quest for another World Series title.

Follow this link for a Game One breakdown.

 

This article is also featured in my column at Fanhuddle.com called Phillies Phlash.

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