Players and storylines to watch for in Yankees-Phillies World Series

This World Series doesn't look pretty for the pitchers.

The New York Yankees were the best offensive team in the American League during the 2009 season, while the Philadelphia Phillies were the most productive bashers in the National League.

The Yankees topped the majors with 915 runs scored, 244 home runs, a .362 on-base percentage and a .478 slugging percentage.

The Phillies were fourth with 820 runs, tied for second with 224 homers, were third in slugging at .447 but 14th in on-base percentage at .334.

And they've kept it up through the playoffs, as the Phillies have scored 55 runs in nine games while the Yankees have pushed across 48 in nine contests.

Given that they both play at hitter-friendly parks where the ball jumps off the bat, and each club's lineup really looks locked in right now, there's no reason to think that won't continue in the Series.

Sure they can pitch a little bit, too - you don't get this far without having a few guys who can get some outs - but these are two teams driven by their offence, and that's why the hurlers for both teams are about to face their most difficult task of the year.

How Alex Rodriguez(notes), Mark Teixeira(notes), Derek Jeter(notes) and co. fare versus Ryan Howard(notes), Jason Werth, Chase Utley(notes) and the rest of the defending champions is one of the most important storylines heading into the World Series.

Here's a look at some other things to keep an eye on in this Fall Classic:

Battle of the Cys: CC Sabathia(notes) of the Yankees (2007) and Cliff Lee(notes) of the Phillies (2008) are the last two recipients of the American League Cy Young Award, and they both won it with Cleveland. The former teammates will face off in Game 1 of the Series, and could potentially meet three times if both teams decide to shorten their rotations.

Punch-drunk pitchers?: If the bats keep going, getting innings from starters is going to be crucial for both teams. The Phillies are averaging 3.99 pitches per at-bat while the Yankees are at 3.90, and when you factor in the stress level on each delivery, the starters are going to get worn out early. As the series goes on, that could take a real toll on the bullpens, which both have soft spots.

It's close to midnight: Late starts combined with a slower pace of play and two pitch-eating lineups mean the time could be close to midnight when the final out is in the books. Baseball fans best prepare for some groggy mornings in the office.

A-Rod's time to shine: Much like Barry Bonds(notes) did in 2002, Rodriguez has finally shed the post-season underachiever label that's dogged him for years. The Yankee faithful seem to be unconditionally embracing him too, but that love will disappear if he fades now.

Wither A.J.?: A.J. Burnett(notes) got lots of positive reviews for injecting some fun into the Yankees clubhouse and his post-game pies in the face (a habit he brought over from the Toronto Blue Jays), but that stuff doesn't play in the playoffs. Burnett has given up nine runs in 18 1-3 innings over three starts, and flat out must be better.

Repeat dreams: Since 1883, the Phillies have won just two World Series titles, one of them last year, so going for a repeat is a really big deal for them. The core of the 2008 group is still intact and the chance to really make a name for themselves is a driving factor. The Yankees, meanwhile, are seeking to win a 27th championship, and no team has repeated since they won three in a row from 1998-2000.

Howard and Werth: The two Phillies sluggers have been doing an apt impression of David Ortiz(notes) and Manny Ramirez(notes) in these playoffs and the Yankees have yet to face a duo as prolific as these two. They've combined for seven homers and 24 RBIs so far and if they keep it up, watch out.

Nervous ninths: The Phillies came into the playoffs worried about closer Brad Lidge(notes), who stepped up and did the job versus the Rockies and the Dodgers. The Yankees are a different beast entirely and we'll learn now if he's really over his in-season struggles. The Yankees don't have that issue, as Mariano Rivera(notes) looks as automatic as ever.

Frigid homer havens: As mentioned, the ball flies out of both the new Yankee Stadium and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and that will only add to the challenges faced by the pitchers. Weather too will be an issue, as the World Series extends into November for just the second time ever. We've already seen cold and rain affect games in both cities and the chances are high that happens again.