Phillies-Red Sox: World Series Preview?

Tonight kicks off a three-game series between the 2008 World Champion and National League East leading Philadelphia Phillies and the 2007 World Champion and American League East leading Boston Red Sox...I know, it is a lot to take in.

These two teams have been amidst the discussion of teams that may play each other in the World Series. As it looks right now, this is very possible.

The Phillies are 35-23 and are coming off back to back wins in extra innings against the rival NY Mets.

The Red Sox are 36-24 and are headed to Philadelphia having come from behind to beat the Yankees the night before. Can you say 8-0? The Red Sox can, as they are 8-0 this season against the rival Yankees, a Red Sox record.

So what a better time to see these two powerhouse teams face off? I can not think of a better time, except in October.

The favorites going in have got to be the Sox; they are 12-3 when facing off against the Phils since 2004, and we all know how Philadelphia has been struggling at home with a 12-12 record in their own ballpark.

The Phils will have to deal with Jon Lester tonight, while getting Matsusaka and Beckett on Saturday and Sunday.

Lester is 4-0 against the National League and has pitched against the Phils only once, giving up zero runs and only 6 hits.

The Phils will be starting Blanton tonight, then Bastardo for Saturday while Happ will be geared up for Sunday. Blanton is 2-0 and has an ERA of 1.80 after his last three starts.

The Red Sox will be looking, or trying that is, to contain the Phils explosive offense that is Ibanez and Utley, who have been leading the Phils hitting as of late.

The Phils will need to keep a keen eye on Jason Bay and Kevin Youkillis, who have been leading the Sox.

This series is shaping up to be a close one, and a fan favorite, as all three games have been sold out for months.

My prediction, the Phils finally end their Red Sox slump and take the series, 2-1.