Its that time of year again where we all get cozy on our couches pop open a cold one or zap up some hot fresh pop corn and settle in for what looks to be a week long battle. We are certainly in for a treat as the 105th fall classic features a match up of the two most prolific offenses during the regular and post seasons. The Yankees who have boasted the best record at home this season and having not lost a single post-season game in the Bronx will look to capture their 27th world title and their first since 2000 in the infamous subway series. The Phillies are looking to be the first team since the Yanks in `98 to win back-to-back title's. Only 108 miles separate these two cities in what's being called the battle for New Jersey. Here's a look at a couple story lines to throw into the mix:1. Eliminating Umpire Error
As we have all seen throughout the playoffs this year huge umpire errors have created quite a stir among both fans and coaches especially with the replay technology that all of the covering networks employ. But some mistakes technology can't fix, for instance in Game 4 of the ALCS veteran crew chief Tim McClelland, who has been in baseball for longer than my short life of 22 years, made a huge judgement call when Yankee runners Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano were both clearly tagged out before they could safely step on the third base bag. McClelland argued that he only saw Posada get tagged and when looking over at Cano saw his foot clearly on the bag at third. But even in real time an infant could have gotten this right, both runners were clearly tagged out by third baseman Chone Figgins and should have ended any threat the Yanks could unleash that inning. In the same game McClelland again botched a tag play at third with runner Nick Swisher. Video replay's showed McClelland only looking out towards center field for the catch and his eyes were nowhere near Swisher's foot on the third base bag. An appeal was made by the Angels and Swisher was called out. So lets actually use that million dollar replay system for more controversial plays where the human eye cannot always catch or risk riots in the Big Apple and City of Brotherly Love.
2. Which Team has the defensive edge?
The two top offensive teams during the regular season also boast solid defense in the field. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is coming off a huge season improvement in the field. For the Yankees Mark Teixeira, has been the biggest improvement on the infield and possibly the best defensive first baseman since Wade Boggs. His range of balls in the air, his ability to dig balls out of the dirt and his powerful arm have really locked down the Yanks infield. And as we saw with the Angels in the ALCS a bad defense will almost never win in the postseason.
3. How Good are both Game 1 starters?
C.C. has been light's out all season and postseason long. With a record of 3-0 this postseason and an ERA just above 1 he has been the backbone of a solid Yanks three-man playoff rotation. Pitching on three days rest for Game 4 of the ALCS, Sabathia went eight innings at 101 pitches, the last of which was clocked at 93 mph. Thats nasty! On the opposing side former Indians teammate to Sabathia Cliff Lee has also been impressive this postseason. With a 2-0 record and an ERA (0.74) under 1.
Finally will Alex Rodriguez win his first coveted Series Championship and take Kate Hudson on a magical ride to Disney World, well only time will tell. Tune in tonight on FOX first pitch set for 7:57 p.m. ET.
2. Which Team has the defensive edge?
The two top offensive teams during the regular season also boast solid defense in the field. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is coming off a huge season improvement in the field. For the Yankees Mark Teixeira, has been the biggest improvement on the infield and possibly the best defensive first baseman since Wade Boggs. His range of balls in the air, his ability to dig balls out of the dirt and his powerful arm have really locked down the Yanks infield. And as we saw with the Angels in the ALCS a bad defense will almost never win in the postseason.
3. How Good are both Game 1 starters?
C.C. has been light's out all season and postseason long. With a record of 3-0 this postseason and an ERA just above 1 he has been the backbone of a solid Yanks three-man playoff rotation. Pitching on three days rest for Game 4 of the ALCS, Sabathia went eight innings at 101 pitches, the last of which was clocked at 93 mph. Thats nasty! On the opposing side former Indians teammate to Sabathia Cliff Lee has also been impressive this postseason. With a 2-0 record and an ERA (0.74) under 1.
Finally will Alex Rodriguez win his first coveted Series Championship and take Kate Hudson on a magical ride to Disney World, well only time will tell. Tune in tonight on FOX first pitch set for 7:57 p.m. ET.
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