Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Keys to 2011 Postseason Glory

Halloween in Philadelphia has historically fallen during the frigid portion of the Fall season.  But in 2008, millions of fans still felt the chills even as the sun washed over the crowded streets and sidewalks.  Their lovable band of hometown stars mixed with valuable role players finished a dream season by bringing the city its first title in a quarter-century.

While the memories of a remarkable postseason run are still present around the City of Brotherly love, recent success and promising acquisitions have left fans with a hunger for another World Series Championship.  The talent assembled by GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has given the Phillies an extended window to deliver the ultimate prize to its supporters, but the last two years have fallen just short of this lofty expectation.

2009 saw the Phillies tripped up by Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees in six games in the World Series.  Last season, Juan Uribe’s Giants extinguished Philadelphia’s hopes at Citizens Bank Park with a decisive home run late in Game 6.  With possibly the best team in franchise history, anything comparable to past failures would be nearly impossible to swallow.

Looking ahead to this edition of October’s tournament, the Phillies will need to avoid some of the pitfalls that have plagued them over the past two tries at the title.  Recapturing the magic in October lies in these 10 keys to postseason victory for Philadelphia…

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