2010 MLB Playoffs: Breaking Down a Phillies-Yankees World Series Showdown

With one game to go to decide who the New York Yankees will play in the American League Championship Series, it's time to jump ahead a little bit and do some assumption work.

Assuming the Phillies get past the Giants for the NLCS title and the Yankees win the ALCS, how would the Phillies and Yankees match up in the 2010 World Series?

Both these teams having pitching and they certainly have power on offense. But what sets these two teams apart?

Let's dive into a possible World Series matchup and take a look at who will take the World Series trophy home.

It's the Philadelphia Phillies versus the New York Yankees.

No. 10: Ace Versus Ace

Is there a better Game 1 pitching matchup than Roy Halladay versus C.C. Sabathia?

Halladay hasn't really done much, other than that little thing called a no-hitter in his first playoff start for the Phillies. Not really a big deal right?

As for Sabathia, he didn't have the greatest outing in his first playoff start of the 2010 postseason. He gave up four runs on five hits through six innings against the Twins.

Advantage: Phillies

No. 9: First Basemen

Mark Teixeira for the Yankees and Ryan Howard for the Phillies.

Two guys that can put on a home run derby all by themselves. Not only can they hit the long ball, but both are solid defensively.

Howard has a .990 fielding percentage while Teixeira holds a .998 fielding percentage this season.

Advantage: Push

No. 8: Roy Oswalt vs.` Philip Hughes

When the Phillies went out and acquired Roy Oswalt from the Houston Astros before the trade deadline, there was a sense that the Phillies, with that move, were a lock for the World Series. Not necessarily winning it, but most believed they would get there.

As for Philip Hughes, the young right-hander continues to make start after start when the Yankees need him the most. If they want to point to one thing that has helped this team get where they are, they might want to consider Hughes.

Advantage: Phillies

No. 7: One Hitter Against Another

Like the headline says, "one hitter against another."

Where one can take you out of the park, the other can pick you apart one at bat after another. A single here, a double there, just enough to drive you crazy.

Alex Rodriguez and Chase Utley bring two very different styles to their teams, but each has been and will be important in the World Series.

Advantage: Yankees

No. 6: Derek Jeter Versus Jimmy Rollins

One is a captain, the other is one of the clubhouse comedians but has a bat to match his humor.

Derek Jeter for the Yankees and Jimmy Rollins for the Phillies. Two veterans who have been here before and know what it takes to win.

Each has gotten to the top of the mountain, each has a World Series ring to show, each has had their share of big hits throughout their careers.

Could each have one more big hit on baseball's biggest stage?

Advantage: Yankees

No. 5: Offense

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - JULY 16: Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies takes a swing against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 16, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Phillies 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Both teams have an offense that would make any pitcher rethink the pitches he's about to throw. Each team has an offense that can also double you until you're waiving the proverbial white flag.

For the Yankees, you have guys like Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano, just to name a few.

For the Phillies, there's Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth. Again, just to name a few.

Advantage: Yankees

No. 4: Defense

Elsa/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees sends the ball to first for the out against the Minnesota Twins during game one of the ALDS on October 6, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-4.

Not only can either team be dangerous with bats in their hands, but in the field, they can also stop anything coming their way.

Derek Jeter is one of the better shortstops in the game, while Chase Utley can match anyone at second base.

They have speed, they have agility and being able to play the game at a high level for their entire career makes most of these guys possible Hall of Famers.

Advantage: Phillies

No. 3: Bullpens

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Kerry Wood #39 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during Game Three of the ALDS part of the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by An

The New York Yankees took a chance on Kerry Wood and it's paid off in a big way. The former Chicago Cub and Cleveland Indian has a 0.69 ERA through 26 innings pitched since coming to the Bronx.

As for the Phillies, they have a guy by the name of Ryan Madsen, who has had a phenomenal year for  them. Through 53 innings, Madsen sports a 2.55 ERA this season.

Advantage: Yankees

No. 2: Mariano Rivera vs. Brad Lidge

Mariano Rivera, arguably the greatest closer to ever play the game.

I say "arguably" because there will be at least some argument between him and Trevor Hoffman regardless of the playoff and World Series appearances.

Brad Lidge also has a World Series championship under his belt, and he also knows what it's like to be on the other side of blowing one of the biggest saves of the year, thanks to one swing of the bat and a gasp from the home fans.

While both can do their job, only one can do it with flash.

Advantage: Yankees

No. 1: Who Wins?

While the Yankees have offense, pitching and Mariano Rivera, it will be the Phillies with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels who will consistently keep their team ahead and won't let it get to the bullpen or to Rivera.

They will find a way to get it done.

Series final: Philadelphia Phillies win 4-2