Wow. What a way to start off the postseason. Technically, last night’s game between the Tigers and Twins was a regular season game, but when it means the loser is eliminated, that’s a playoff game. The Twins fought back from a 7 game defect in the final weeks of the season to ultimately beat the Tigers in extra innings last night to win the AL Central.
Now, the “real” postseason starts today with the Phillies taking on the Rockies. In a surprising move for some people, Charlie Manuel went with Cliff Lee to start Game 1 of the NLDS. After seeing Cole Hamels go 4-0 and win all 3 Game 1s he started last season, many thought he should get the nod. However, Cole would be pitching on 3 days rest after throwing 47 pitches in 3 innings on Saturday. Ultimately, all the games are important, but getting the win in Game 1 is a big advantage. Pitching Lee on full rest is a better choice than Hamels on short rest. Plus, if the series goes the full five, Manuel can throw either one out there to try and win the series.
The Rockies caught a bad break when they learned their wins leader Jorge De La Rose would be out of the NLDS with a groin injury. That is a big break for the Phillies however. De La Rosa was dominant over the 2nd half of the season, going 14-2 in his final 20 appearances. Not having to go against the lefty will definitely help the Phillies.
The Phillies won all 3 Game 1s on the way to winning the World Series last season, so getting off to a good start is important. Cliff Lee has never pitched in the postseason before, but that shouldn’t be a problem for the Cy Young winner.
No team has repeated as World Series champions since the Bronx Bombers did it earlier this decade, but the Phillies are well equipped to give it a shot.
