Monday, October 4, 2010

"The Tale of Two Cities"

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     Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia. The Enquirer vs. the Inquirer.  Youthful talent vs. Professional experience. These are just a few of the storylines surrounding the NLDS series between the Reds and the Phillies.  As the Giants closed out the Padres early Sunday evening, the Reds' road to the World Series was set: and it runs straight through Philadelphia, PA.  In their first playoff series in 15 years, the Reds will play the 2-time defending National League Champion without home-field advantage.  The Phillies won the season series 5-2, although four of those games were decided by one run.  And the last time these two teams played, a four-game sweep by the Phillies in early July, the Reds were a very different team.  Jonny Gomes and Jay Bruce were going through the worst month-long slumps of their careers, Aroldis Chapman was still dominating Triple-A hitters, and Edinson Volquez had not even pitched a game yet.  To be fair, the Phillies were also dealing with several significant injuries at the time.  
     In my opinion, this series will be much closer than many experts predict (I sure hope so, since a sweep would waste the money I spent on Game 4 tickets in Cincinnati).  The Reds have not been on this kind of stage yet, but if they don't get too star-struck, their talent should shine through.  Starting pitching will be very key.  Philadelphia has maybe the best three front-end starters in baseball with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels.  Hamels, although the third starter, was the 2008 World Series MVP.  If the Reds starting pitching can keep the Phillies offense at bay, the series will become very interesting.  Cy Young Award favorite Roy Halladay will start Game 1 for Philadelphia, while Edinson Volquez will take the hill for Cincinnati.  First pitch is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:07 ET.  
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6 comments:

  1. Michael SchuhOctober 4, 2010 at 12:07 PM

    In addition to the Reds lack of playoff experience (save Arroyo), it should also be noted that Harry Leroy Halladay is also making his playoff debut. After 11 dominant seasons pitching for a lackluster team in Toronto, Halladay gets his first opportunity to contend and make a name for himself in the postseason.

    In my opinion, game 2 will be the most important of the series. While stealing game 1 against the game's best pitcher would be earth-shattering for the Reds, its unlikely, and certainly unexpected. That being said, Cincinnati stands little chance of advancing if both games are lost in Philly. Enter Bronson Arroyo who, with his brief playoff experience in Boston, will need to shoulder the load for the Reds in game 2 against an old-face, new-place Reds killer in Oswalt (another Roy might I add). Arroyo must keep the Reds in the game long enough for the bats to push a few across against Oswalt. In theory, I think Dusty made the right decisions regarding the rotation, matching the gravity of game 2 with the Reds most experienced starter and flanking Arroyo with 2 young guns with the ability to dazzle in their respective debuts.

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  2. David SchuhOctober 4, 2010 at 12:29 PM

    I agree. I just hope that Volquez isn't "rusty" on 7 days rest. Otherwise, he's our hottest pitcher and should pitch Game 1. Arroyo is consistent enough to handle what could be a must-win on Friday.

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  3. AnonymousOctober 4, 2010 at 1:19 PM

    Well, said, David.
    I've enjoyed all the games with you over the years and look forward to the playoff game.
    Dad

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  4. ZachOctober 4, 2010 at 2:13 PM

    Assuming that niether teams complete the sweep, I was wondering who would pitch game four against the Phillies. I am wondering whether Dusty will go with Edison in a three man playoff rotation or possibly Travis Wood. Remember Wood had a perfect game in the ninth inning in Philadelphia this pasr summer.

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  5. David SchuhOctober 4, 2010 at 2:45 PM

    Most people are saying that it would be Volquez and Halladay on Monday, pitching on 4 days rest. But, Dusty will probably make the decision based how Volquez pithces in Game 1.

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  6. zachOctober 4, 2010 at 2:51 PM

    I guess we would use Bailey and Wood as long relievers if any starters get in trouble

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