2011 World Series: 6 Reasons Why the Philadelphia Phillies Will Win It All

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Can the Phillies celebrate another World Series title?

The Philadelphia Phillies are the National League favorites. They won the World Series in 2008, but fell short in 2009 and 2010 despite making the playoffs each year. I think that the Phillies will revisit October 2008 and win it all again this year.

The Phillies have lots of talent and experience in all the best ways. If they can use it all and have all of their players playing to their top potential, they've got a great shot at taking home the trophy. Here are the six main reasons why the Philadelphia Phillies will win the 2011 World Series.

1. Cliff Lee

PHILADELPHIA, PA- JULY 30: Cliff Lee #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies gets the ball back during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on July 30, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Cliff Lee has proven himself in the postseason before. His 2.13 career playoff ERA includes a spectacular 1.56 ERA over 5 games and 40.1 innings in the 2009 postseason for the Phillies.

2. Jimmy Rollins

PHILADELPHIA - JULY 30: Jimmy Rollins #11 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run in front of Michael McHenry #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on July 30, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

The last few years have been up and down for Jimmy Rollins. After an injury filled 2010 season, in which he batted only .243 batted, his .269 BA in 2011 doesn't seem much better. His .305 average in July, however, shows the great likelihood that injury has had a large affect on his numbers and gives hope for improvement later on in the season. Rollins' hitting could be a vital factor in the postseason for the Phillies.

3. Chase Utley

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 29: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies smiles as he rounds the bases with his second-inning home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on July 29, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Red

Len Redkoles/Getty Images

After being out for the first two months of the season, Chase Utley has returned with a quickly-rising .286 batting average.

Utley often gets worn out in the last months of the season and the postseason. His absence at the start of the year was unfortunate, but may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The Phillies hope Utley will be to play deeper into the end of the season without getting tired or worn out.

4. Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Closing pitcher Ryan Madson #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws the final pitch of the game for a strikeout and the save while beating the San Diego Padres 8-6 at Citizens Bank Park on July 23, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsyl

Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

The Phillies bullpen has been great this year, even with the absence of their closer, Brad Lidge, due to injury. Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo have held up the 'pen, posting ERAs of 1.34 and 1.91 respectively. Because the Phillies starting pitchers often go deep into the game, these two don't appear much. When they've been called upon, however, they have been spectacular.

5. Carlos Ruiz

PHILADELPHIA - JULY 25: Catcher Carlos Ruiz #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout during a game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on July 25, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Padres won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/G

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Carlos Ruiz is a great player to have on a postseason roster. He is awesome in the clutch and comes through at key times for the Phillies. His clutch hitting has been one of the main reasons the Phillies have had so much success in the playoffs in past years.

His ability to handle the pitchers so well also contributes to the team's defensive performance in the playoffs.

6. Hunter Pence

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 31: Hunter Pence #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies follows through on his swing while hitting a double in the 10th inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on July 31, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylv

Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

The recent acquisition of Hunter Pence gives the Phillies multiple advantages. His .306 batting average this season provides support in the lineup for Ryan Howard and provides a boost for the entire offense. His right-handed hitting is also a plus in the Phillies mostly left-handed lineup because it causes multiple pitching changes late in the game for opposing teams.

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