Comments on: World Series Preview: Phillies vs. Rays

By: 2009 World Series Preview: Phillies vs. Yankees

2009 World Series Preview: Phillies vs. Yankees — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:40:59 +0000

[...] the Phillies lose, I will not be changing the format of my previews. So, in the same format as last year’s preview, here’s my 2009 World Series [...]

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:11:01 +0000

I agree Morty, I think Moyer will pitch better against the Rays. The young, agressive hitters are what Moyer usually thives against. I think they win games 1,3,4,5. I meant more of the same in that their hitters will be neutralized, not Moyer getting rocked.

By: Morty

Morty — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:28:21 +0000

Kevin: I expect Moyer to perform better against a lineup of young hitters who have never faced him before.

jjg: builders never want to follow the architect’s plans! And, sadly, T-squares are long gone, as are blueprints actually.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:11:00 +0000

Dont forget how hot the Dodgers hitters were after the Cubs series. While Manny was very impressive, the rest of the team was effectivly shut down. Except Game 3 of course when Moyer threw them beachballs. I look for more of the same this series. Phillies in 5, clinch Monday in Philly with Cole on the mound!

By: jjg

jjg — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:29:24 +0000

Nice condensed look at tonight’s starting arms. Thanks, Pete.

By: J Dubbz

J Dubbz — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:18:30 +0000

That SI article stinks. Completely one sided from an AL perspective. Also you know he isn’t a big Phils fan as he referred to JA Happ as James. Any Phils fan knows we don’t use the name James round these parts.

It will be a tough series regardless of what the so called “experts” say. I am hoping the aggressive inexperience of the Rays bats will work in the Phils favor. With Hamels and Moyer using their respective off speed stuff, hopefully they can keep the Rays off balance.

The key to the series in my opinion is the Phillies offense. I don’t think 3 or 4 runs is going to get it done here. We need all the bats to come alive and really strike when the iron is hot. When we have runners in scoring position, we need to capitalize.

The Rays certainly have a young scrappy team that is hungry for the spotlight, but we have a slightly older, more experienced, hungrier team and a city that is ready to kill someone for a championship. Phils in 7. LET’S GO PHILS!!!

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:09:33 +0000

Kazmir: 70 walks (4.13 per 9) and 123 hits (7.27 per 9) in 152.1 IP in regular season. 8 walks (4.59 per 9) and 16 hits (9.38 per 9) in 15.2 in post

Hamels: 53 walks (2.10 per 9) and 193 hits (7.64 per 9) in 227.1 IP in regular season. 6 walks (2.45 per 9) and 13 hits (5.32 per 9) in 22 IP in post

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:04:57 +0000

Kazmir has really, really good stuff, but can be wild. kind of like a good Oliver Perez.

i think the layoff will not affect Hamels, but you have to be worried about it affecting our hitters, especially is Kazmir is on.

By: jjg

jjg — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:02:33 +0000

Pete Control (and self-control) will be a big issue tonight. Hamels has lived up to billing so far in playoffs, but any pitcher in tonight’s situation will hyperventilate some or he’s not human. Reining in nerves at start will be important. In packed, clamorous stadium, team showing more patience at plate should gain advantage; ump’s ‘zone’ will factor too. My wariness comes from Rays’ having beaten whomever-came-along, when it counted. Don’t know much about Kasmir but Phils, when on their game, can get to anybody. When he’s right, Hamels’ change-up is a wicked ‘out’ pitch. By stats, it’s Hamels over Kasmir. But what about the week’s delay. Is the edge lost there?

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:30:08 +0000

jjg – I think you are selling Hamels a little short. I agree completely that he did not pitch great down the stretch, but he’s been the been pitcher of any team in the playoffs.

his 2 aren’t locks, but I’m expecting 7-8 IP, 1-2 ER out of him.

Kazmir has never pitched with the world watching either, I think he’s more likely to get spooked, especially since his control isn’t nearly as good as Hamels.

Another thing in Hamels favor? The vast majority of these hitters have never seen his changeup. IF he’s throwing it well, it will be tough to hit.