Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:13 pm EDT
As tonight's Game 1 approaches, the three main Big League Stewards make their picks. State your own position in the comment section below.
'Duk: Back at the start of the postseason, I thought in my mind that we should do some sort of prediction post. I also thought at the time that I would pick the Phillies over the Yankees in six games, pleasing a Philadelphia fan base that has often been quite angry with me. Long story short, I got caught up with other posts and no one but a few random radio hosts were subjected to my genius forecasting (my only misstep currently being the Cards over the Dodgers in four games).
At any rate, I am now going to make my Phillies in six prediction official in terms of The Stew (considering I picked the Rays last season, be afraid Fightins', be very afraid). Though the Yankees have impressed over the first two rounds, the Phillies have also not done anything to shake me off my initial hunch that they'll become Philadelphia's version of The Big Red Machine. Maybe it's just the Cheez Whiz talking, but I believe that Chase Utley(notes), Ryan Howard(notes) and Joe Girardi have the power to stage another memorable parade in Philly. Phillies in six.
* * *
Dave Brown: If the Series comes down to which former Cleveland Indians ace left-hander pitches best, then CC Sabathia(notes) will be the hardest to beat a third time.
If it comes down to pitching changes, you have to like Joe Girardi's frequency, though Charlie Manuel's cadences (his voice and gait) are plucky.
If it comes down to who puts more product in their hair, the Phillies will sweep behind Pedro Martinez(notes) and Chase Utley. A-Rod's highlights and Nick Swisher's(notes) unpredictability can't compare.
If it comes down to let-off-the-roster backup catchers whose names most sound like a Renaissance painter, the Yankees and Francisco Cervelli(notes) won't let the series return to NY.
If it comes down to white pinch runners, the Yankees' Brett Gardner(notes) proved his superiority in the ALCS against Reggie Willits(notes).
If it comes down to how many relievers are from Spring Valley, Ill. (pop. 5,400), small-town heroes Chad Durbin(notes) and J.A. Happ(notes) will show they can make it anywhere.
If it comes down to bloodlines, the Yankees win in seven thanks to Nick Swisher and papa Steve Swisher, along with Jerry Hairston Jr.(notes) — whose father, grandfather and uncle all played in the majors, too. (The combination of Jayson Werth's(notes) uncle Dick Schofield, grampa Ducky Schofield and mother Kim Schofield-Werth tried gallantly.)
If it comes down to knowing how to handle a rough New York crowd, Chase Utley knows what to do.
Add it all up, and I agree with Jimmy Rollins(notes), plus two games. Phillies in seven.
* * *
Alex Remington: The Yankees haven't won a World Series since the last millenium, but they haven't had a team this good in a long time, either. While the Angels were busy throwing the ball all over the field, the Yankees brandished solid starting pitching, a thunderous offense, and the always-frightening Mariano Rivera(notes). Opposite them, the Phillies have a good offense and defense, but their rotation's a question mark after Cliff Lee(notes), and their bullpen is a question mark after Ryan Madson(notes). Of the biggest offensive stars, Ryan Howard and Alex Rodriguez(notes) have both been incredibly hot this postseason, but Howard's not as technically sound a hitter as A-Rod. Anything's possible in a short series — the Phillies have an offense capable of lighting anyone up, and whenever Cliff Lee's on the mound he's a good bet to win -- so I don't think this will be anything like a rout. But the Yankees are deeper both in pitching and in offense, and in the end, I expect the best team will win. Yankees in seven.
Those are our World Series opinions, which team are you picking?
Big League Stew is an MLB blog edited by Kevin Kaduk. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Posted Nov 23 2009
Marlins Donate Turkeys In Little Havana
Posted Nov 24 2009
Posted Nov 23 2009
Edited by MJD
Edited by 'Duk
Edited by J.E. Skeets
Edited by Greg Wyshynski
Edited by Matt Hinton
Edited by E. Brennan
Edited by Jay Busbee
Edited by Jay Busbee
Edited by Steve Cofield
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Andy Behrens
73 Comments
1 - 25 of 73
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Phillies have a huge edge in scoring in the Playoffs, the Yankees havent faced as tough as a team scoring wise as the Phillies. With that said, the Yankees have a slight edge in pitching but they have a tougher test against the Phillies lineup then do the Phillies pitchers against the Yankees. Reason being, the ENTIRE Phillies lineup as been dangerous this postseason while the Yankees lineup has struggles up unitl the end of the ALCS. I am a huge baseball fan and have been watching baseball for over 30 years and have not missed a World Series. If it goes seven, expect a nail-biter that could go either way. My perdiction: Phillies will win in 6, unless Hamels comes alive, then they can win it in 5. They just have what it takes. What do you guys think? hold the bias!
Report Abuse
Yanks in 5.
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
And it's better than having cheap owners who horde as much cash for themselves as they can. The Yanks have won here and there for almost 100 years, which means generations of fans, which means tons of ticket and merchandise sales, which means MONEY. Deal with it.
And as much as everyone hates the Yankees, it's funny, when they are on the road the attendance in every city spikes to its highest point of the season. Before the Angels-Yankees series everyone was shouting "Yanks stink, Angels own them!!" When they lost it was "yeah, you bought it! and the umps favored you!"
let's just sit back and watch the best two teams fight it out, and agree that whoever wins this will truly deserve it. PLAY BALL.
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
And the difference between the talent and reliability of Mariano vs. Lidge is like the grand canyon, despite Lidge not blowing any saves yet this postseason, he's blown both save opportunities against the Yankees this year. yanks in 5.
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
* Help Support Steinbrenner's payoff to A-Tard *
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
1 - 25 of 73