Philadelphia Phillies Win NLDS: Phillies Intimidation Factor Vs. Remaining Teams
It's been written all over the blogosphere how the Cincinnati Reds have self destructed in their NLDS series against the Phillies. A series that was wrapped up in the minimum three games on Sunday night.
But how much of the errors that other teams make are the result of bad timing, poor fundamentals or bad luck and how much can be attributed to the lurking presence of the Phillies causing teams like the Reds to feel the pressure of having to play a perfect game to win?
Though no one knows for sure, it's a valid question, as the Reds built their NL Central title on playing solid fundamental baseball all season and now suddenly they can't seem to make the plays when needed.
Well, this much we do know: the sight of H20 can make any team nervous. Against the Phils' big three of Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt, teams know they won't get very many opportunities to shine and must play their best baseball to have a chance, especially in a short series.
So let's take a look at how the intimidation factor might play against the remaining teams going forward.
The San Francisco Giants Rotation Stacks Up Well
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The Giants victory on Sunday against the Braves gives them a 2-1 series lead so we'll take a look at this team first.
The Giants have a blend of youth and experience on their roster and many believe are the only team in the NL capable of giving Philly a run for its money in the postseason.
Tim Lincecum is technically one of the youngsters, as he is only 26, but he has accomplished so much already that we tend to think of him as more of a veteran.
In his third full season in the majors, Lincecum seems impervious to jitters.
This is his first postseason but as we say with Halladay, for some pitchers that doesn't seem to matter. Lincecum allowed only two hits in a complete game victory in his first start and teamed with the likes of Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez, give San Francisco a pretty impressive threesome of their own.
But while Hamels and Oswalt have had previous postseason experience, this is the first rodeo for all three Giants starters. So far, so good for SF but it will be something to watch.
The Atlanta Braves Are Chock Full of Veterans
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Meanwhile, the Braves boast a team that has good young players like Brian McCann and Jason Heyward, but boast a roster full of experience.
So far, that experience hasn't translated into winning for Atlanta as it trails the series versus the Giants, but even manager Bobby Cox, who is set to retire after this season, has much to offer in the way of experience.
Heyward is really struggling in his first playoffs, and the combined efforts of the Jay-Hey kid, the experienced Derrek Lee, Melky Cabrerra and Matt Diaz, along with fellow youngster Brooks Conrad have resulted in only three hits in 47 ABs.
Veteran starters Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe have pitched well, but the youngster Tommy Hanson struggled in his debut.
Not a whole lot to be intimidated by, though the presence of Cox guiding a team that would certainly be fired up after winning the next two games would be confident for sure.
The Tampa Bay Rays
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The Rays have stormed back after an 0-2 deficit to tie the series against the Rangers, so they should be very confident if they take game five.
This is a team that knows how to win in the postseason, but it's difficult to envision their starting rotation eliciting much fear in the hearts of Philly phollowers. Matt Garza is a big-game guy, but do their top three stack up with the Phillies big three or even the Giants?
I don't think so.
The Texas Rangers and Mr. Lee
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The Rangers can hit and play very well in their home park normally, but after a quick 2-0 lead in their series against the Rays, have dropped two in a row and could face elimination.
However, one thing to keep in mind: they have Cliff Lee scheduled to go on Tuesday and there isn't a better postseason starter lately than Mr. Lee.
As Phillies phans know all too well, if he wins on Tuesday and the Rangers make it past the Yankees, Lee will certainly be up for the challenge against the Phillies in a World Series matchup.
It's hard to figure the other Rangers starters matching up as well against the Phillies rotation, but the mere presence of Lee should give Philly the shivers.
The Dreaded New York Yankees
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Love them or hate them, there is simply no intimidating the Yankees, Owners of the most world championships, by far, of any professional team, the defending champs would not fall prey to any miscues or other nervous breakdowns against the Phillies or any team.
that is not to say they would beat the Phillies. No sir. But the whole intimidation and experience factor helps, not hurts, this franchise.
Again, however, that starting staff, outside of CC Sabathia, doesn't scare anyone.
The ninth inning couldn't be in better hands than Mo Rivera, however.
Bottom Line: Avoid The Giants and Rangers But Phillies Win No Matter What
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The Phillies can beat the Giants, no question about that. But they seem to pose the biggest challenge among the two other teams remaining in the NL.
Their starting three is very solid and almost matches the Phillies big three.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have the X factor, Cliff Lee, and the Phillies want to avoid that matchup if possible.
Prediction: Phillies defeat the Giants in six; then top the Yankees in six.
