Phillies’ Aces, The Two Roys

>> The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to return to the World Series for the third straight year. At the helm are Phillies’ pitchers Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt. Both are in the top 10 in ERA and WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched). The Phillies acquired Oswalt from the Houston Astros on July 29, and since then he has won nine out of his ten starts. However, I’m not so sure he will be able to continue his success. In ten starts with the Phillies, he has only played two playoff contending teams. Thus, I expect him to falter throughout the postseason.

Captain’s struggles to cease

>> As October approaches, one Yankee seems slightly out of form.  But who would have guessed that their captain, Derek Jeter, would be that Yankee? Jeter will finish the year with a batting average below .290, worse than he’s ever finished in his fifteen full seasons in New York. No matter his struggles, Jeter will be ready for the playoffs. He always is.

Is this a cause for concern? Maybe. Then again, this Yankees team is much less reliant on their captain than they have been in the past. Second baseman Robinson Cano continues to shine and emerged as the Yankees’ most reliable offensive threat. Additionally, the depth of this team gives them numerous options throughout games. On top of that, pitcher Andy Pettitte returned to the rotation and should contribute immediately. The Yankees should have no problem getting to the ALCS, but it may be tough for the Bronx Bombers to repeat as World Series champions.