Weekend Voices: Reds Start To October For Phillies
By virtue of Sunday’s events, the Phillies will be playing Cincinnati in the National League Division Series starting this coming Wednesday at 5:07 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.
And since the games were so long ago, late June and early July, let’s see how much you remember.
The Phillies actually won five of seven games in the season series, with each team winning the series on its home field. But for those who attended one of the four games at CBP in early July, you know that it was one of the best series of the year and, maybe, the catalyst for the Phillies’ great second-half run.
After losing two of three to Cincinnati in late June, playing without Placido Polanco and losing Chase Utley during the series, the Phillies finished up before the All-Star break with four of the most captivating wins of the season – none decided by more than two runs. And the Phillies collected three walk-off, extra-inning wins thanks to a Brian Schneider 12th-inning home run, followed the next night by a Ryan Howard two-run blast. The next came on an RBI hit from Jimmy Rollins in the 11th.
So let’s break down the teams…
Pitching
Phillies: Have an advantage in starting pitching with “H2O” on an incredible run. Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt have been great to the tune of a 14-1 record since Aug. 29. And they also have one of the best closers over the last two months in Brad Lidge (17-for-18 in save opportunities, 0.76 ERA over last 25 appearances).
Reds: Bronson Arroyo led the staff with 17 wins but can be hot or cold. Johnny Cueto went 12-7 for the year but only 2-5 from Aug. 1 on. Edison Volquez is hitting his stride now after missing most of the year recovering from arm problems. Closer Francisco Cordero led the National League with 46 saves but struggled down the stretch (6.75 ERA, 3-5 saves in September). He has also allowed 1.46 base runners per nine innings.
Hitting
Phillies: We all know about the strengths of Rollins, Utley and Howard, but Charlie Manuel has loved having Shane Victorino take charge of the lead-off spot. Victorino is batting .276 since Aug. 1, with an on-base percentage near .360. And much of the return to power has been helped by right fielder Jayson Werth (.291 BA, 11 HR, 28 RBI since Aug. 1). And if something should happen to Rollins, Wilson Valdez can fill in (.306 BA in 18 starts in September).
Cincinnati: The Reds have gotten an MVP season from first baseman Joey Votto and third baseman Scott Rolen has been a blessing to manager Dusty Baker, but outfielder Jonny Gomes (18 HR, 81 RBI) playing everyday has been a bonus. And shortstop Orlando Cabrera (.262 BA, 4 HR, 41 RBI) has been a true leader in the clubhouse. Right fielder Jay Bruce (.331 BA, 12 HR since Aug. 1) doesn’t get as much publicity as Votto, but he has been solid and delivered the walk-off homer against Houston this past week that clinched the Central Division title.
Managers
You have two real baseball “lifers” in Manuel and Baker. Each has won multiple division titles, but Manuel has the only World Series championship. The off-the field chess match between these two men will be something to watch.
My Pick
The Phillies struggled in their first playoff visit in 2007, and the Reds will too.
Phillies in three games.
Dan was a baseball broadcaster in the Minor Leagues for 13 years and now broadcasts for Princeton University and Temple University.
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