Meet the Phaukers

2009 World Series Preview

Time for some more head to head comparisons.

Manager - Charlie Manuel is at the helm of the defending World Champions. That alone gives him an edge over Joe Girardi.

Edge - Phillies

1B - Ryan Howard is a mashing machine. He's averagde 47 home runs and 143 RBI over the last four seasons. He's driven in 14 runs in eight post-season contests this year and had at least one RBI in eight straight games.

But the edge here goes to Mark Teixeira and the Yankees. Teixeira's defense is the difference between these two. Tex will need to step up at the plate though after hitting just .205 in his first nine post-season games. On the bright side, he's 5-14 (.357) with 4 RBI in the last three games.

Edge - Yankees


2B - Chase Utley is one of the most consistent players in all of baseball. But Utley was slowed by hip surgery this season and the discomfort may have returned in October. His inability to turn the double play was costly against the Dodgers, but could be even more so in the World Series. His all around play and ability to hit with men on base, gives the Phillies a slight advantage over Robinson Cano and the Yankees.

Edge - Phillies


SS - Jimmy Rollins and Derek Jeter are the respective captains of their teams. But while Jeter is relatively quiet and doesn't create message board fodder, Rollins loves to speak his mind. He also backs it up with his play. This season though Rollins struggled at the plate with a .250 average and is batting six points lower in the playoffs.

Edge - Yankees


3B - Pedro Feliz is a nice player. A good defender who drove in 82 runs this year. He's not Alex Rodriguez.

Edge - Yankees


LF - Raul Ibanez had a monster season in his first year in Philly. He hit a career high 34 HR and drove in 93. Though just an adequate fielder, he's still stronger right now than his counterpart, Johnny Damon. Ibanez, who is in a 3-23 slide, will probably DH at Yankee Stadium in favor of Ben Francisco.

Edge - Phillies


CF - Shane Victorino, along with Rollins, is an emotional spark plug. The Flying Hawaiian has also gotten better year by year. He set career highs this season in hits, walks, RBI, and OPS. Melky Cabrera had a fine season and a very good ALCS, but Victorino is the more consistent player.

Edge - Phillies


RF - Jayson Werth often gets overlooked due to the bigger name stars around him. But the stepson of former Yankee Dennis Werth is a force all his own. This was the first season Werth got the opportunity to play more than 150 games and he took full advantage with 36 HR and 99 RBI. His hitting has continued in the post-season where he has belted 5 home runs and driven in 10 runs. The Yankees need Nick Swisher to break out of his slump to help the bottom of the order, which will be one hitter short in the NL ball park.

Edge - Phillies


C - Carlos Ruiz is a solid player, especially with his glove and arm. But the .246 career hitter also steps up on the biggest stage- he's hitting .346 with 7 RBI thus far. Jorge Posada's offense will be critical in Philly. Joe Girardi cannot have Jose Molina catch A.J. Burnett when the right-hander takes the mound in Philadelphia.

Edge - Yankees


DH - The Phillies will use Ibanez in NY, which means Francisco is inserted in the lineup. Even though he's struggling of late, Hideki Matsui is still a much better hitter and could break out at any time.

Edge - Yankees


Bench - The Phillies bench has better hitters and will be relied upon more in the NL parks.

Edge - Phillies


Starting Rotation - Though Joe Girardi still has not fully committed to a 3-man rotation, the trio of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettitte is better than Cliff Lee, Pedro Martinez, and Cole Hamels. Chad Gaudin could pitch a Game 4 and Charlie Manuel will probably use either J.A. Happ, Joe Blanton, or Jamie Moyer in that same game.

Edge - Yankees

Bullpen - Mariano Rivera clearly trumps Brad Lidge and Phil Hughes, despite recent struggles, is just as good, if not better, than Ryan Madson. Philly's pen has struggled all season.

Edge - Yankees


PREDICTION - YANKEES IN 6