Yankee Banter

Hopefully, I’m not posting this one day early with yet another threat of rainout tonight, but better early than late, right?

Here’s my breakdown of the Yankees and Phillies at each position:

Catcher: Carlos Ruiz, as Yankee fans may remember, had a big series at Yankee Stadium in May, driving in the game-winning run in the 11th inning of the series-deciding third game. He’s a strong defender, but doesn’t compare to Jorge Posada offensively. I understand if Joe Girardi catches Jose Molina in A.J. Burnett’s starts at Yankee Stadium, but in Philadelphia, with National League rules, he can not afford to start Molina if Burnett is pitching. Hitting Molina eighth and the pitcher ninth basically gives away the inning when that part of the order comes up. The Yankees will need every run they can get against the Phillies’ offense. Edge: Yankees

First base: More often than not, both of these teams have the edge at first base against their opponent. Not in this series. Mark Teixeira hits for a better average (.292 in the regular season) and is a superior defender, but Ryan Howard’s power in one word is obscene (45 home runs, 141 RBI). Neither team would trade one for the other. Edge: Even

Second base: Another close matchup here. Robinson Cano, as we know, is an extremely talented hitter (.320, 25 home runs, 85 RBI in the regular season) who struggles with runners in scoring position. Defensively, he has shown a lot of improvement this season and under the radar, I thought he played a great game in the field in Game 6 of the ALCS. Chase Utley is as solid as they come and had another great season in 2009, slugging 31 home runs and driving in 93 runs. Slight edge: Phillies

Shortstop: Remember in the World Baseball Classic when there was an outcry that Jimmy Rollins should be starting over Derek Jeter? I don’t think any manager would take Rollins over Jeter right now. As for Rollins, regarding his Phillies in five prediction on The Jay Leno Show (Is that what it’s called?) the other night, I say good for him. Athletes, led by Jeter, are far too boring in interviews. Speak your mind, there’s nothing wrong with that. Edge: Yankees

Third base: The biggest edge for either team at any position. A-Rod, in short, is in another world than Pedro Feliz. That’s all you need to know there. Major edge: Yankees

Left field: Interesting matchup here as both players are different types of hitters and both fit their teams perfectly. Johnny Damon is the best No. 2 hitter in the game, and after a rough September and ALDS, he came to life in the ALCS, collecting nine hits with two home runs and five RBI. Raul Ibanez had a fantastic year for the Phillies, knocking out 34 home runs and driving in 93 despite missing 28 games due to injury. A major offseason upgrade over Pat Burrell. Edge: Even

Center field: This is the biggest edge the Phillies have at any position. Shane Victorino had a strong all-around season, hitting .292 with 102 runs scored, 181 hits, 39 doubles, 13 triples, 10 home runs, 62 RBI and 25 stolen bases. Melky Cabrera, on the other hand, did hit 13 home runs and drive in 68, but had 11 less doubles, 12 less triples, and 12 less stolen bases. In the all important on-base percentage category, Victorino comes out on top with a .358 mark compared to Melky’s .336. Plus, Victorino is a better fielder. Edge: Phillies

Right field: Did you ever see this coming from Jayson Werth? I didn’t. Hitting behind Ryan Howard certainly does help, but it takes more than protection to hit 36 home runs and drive in 99 runs, walk 91 times and score 98 runs. Just a terrific season for Werth, who has kept up the pace in the postseason with five home runs and 10 RBI. Nick Swisher is an all or nothing type of player, who has been a nothing in the postseason outside of a couple nice plays in the field. Edge: Phillies

Designated hitter: My guess is that the Phillies will use either Ben Francisco or Miguel Cairo (yes, the Miguel Cairo) against CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte and break out Matt Stairs when A.J. Burnett pitches. Hideki Matsui, even at this stage of his career, is a better hitter than all of them in his sleep. Major edge: Yankees

Bench: The bench always plays a big part in National League games and both teams are pretty weak when it comes to the reserves. In games 3-5, the Yankees will have Matsui coming off the bench, the best pinch-hitter either team will trot out. As I write this, the rosters have not been announced, but I’m assuming the Yankees will come to their senses and put Eric Hinske back on the roster and give Freddy Guzman the boot. That will help. Edge: Yankees

Starting pitching: You don’t get to the World Series without a strong ace and both teams will send their trophies to mound tonight in CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee. I can not believe the Phillies are pitching Pedro Martinez in Game 2 instead of Cole Hamels. I know Hamels has struggled, but the Phillies are asking too much from Pedro to get out of Yankee Stadium alive. Hamels, a left-hander, can at least somewhat neutralize the short porch in right field. In my opinion, the Yankees must go with a three-man rotation. You might as well thrown in the white flag pitching Chad Gaudin in Game 4 at Philly. Sabathia, Burnett and Pettitte know what’s at stake and I’m not worried that short rest will bother them. Edge: Yankees

Bullpen: The Yankees have Mariano Rivera and the Phillies have Brad Lidge. Enough said there. I still like Phil Hughes over any of Philadelphia’s relievers, even though he’s struggled in October. Ryan Madsen is solid, but the fact that Chan Ho Park may play a big role in this series has to scare Phillies fans. Edge: Yankees

Managers: I’m not the biggest Charlie Manuel fan out there, but he does have a ring. You thought Joe Girardi was out of control with all his moves in the ALCS, wait until the Yankees have to play by National League rules in Philadephia. That could get ugly. Edge: Philles

Prediction: As I wrote before the ALCS, the Yankees and Phillies were destined to meet in the World Series since their intense Interleague series in May. With Mariano Rivera and home field advantage, I think the Yankees will slip by the Phillies to win the series. I predict a classic. Yankees in 7.

Check back tomorrow morning for a review of Game 1. If it’s played, of course.