Read Sports Geek’s argument and Bleacher Fan’s argument about which player in the upcoming 2009 World Series is the most important.
The matchup for the World Series is finally set after last’s night Yankees victory over the Angels. The Phillies have been waiting since last Wednesday after defeating the Dodgers in just five games. Game one of the World Series is Wednesday night in New York. I think many can agree that this is probably the best matchup, with last year’s champion facing off against the all-mighty Yankees who remain one of the most loved and hated franchises in all of sports.
Our discussion today centers around which player we think is the key to this series. Who is the most important player? I gave serious consideration to Cliff Lee. What a pitching matchup we have in store for Game one with Lee facing off against his former teammate, C.C. Sabathia. But, even more than Lee, I think the most important player of this series is Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge.
The Sports Debates had a debate centered on Brad Lidge over a month ago. I took the stance that Lidge should be left off the postseason roster because of his ineffective regular season (7.21 ERA with eleven blown saves). But, thankfully for Phillies fans, manager Charlie Manuel did not consider Loyal Homer’s opinion. Lidge has been perfect for the Phillies this postseason with five scoreless innings, three saves, and a win. Not to mention he is very confident right now as he seems to have regained his 2008 swagger. It could not have come at a better time for the Phillies who are trying to enter rare air and repeat as World Series champions.
Everyone knows how good the Yankees’ lineup is, and that they all appear to be getting hot right now. Everyone knows that many of the players are postseason veterans. Everyone knows that Yankee Stadium is extremely hitter friendly.
But, Brad Lidge is battle tested in the postseason, also. Yes, I still think of Albert Pujols’s shot off of him in the 2005 NLCS (still one of the longest home runs I have ever seen), but he overcame that last year. Keep in mind that Lidge is used to pitching in a hitter friendly park in Philadelphia.
If the Phillies can get good starting pitching from Lee, Cole Hamels, and whoever Manuel decides to plug in after that (Pedro Martinez, Joe Blanton, or J.A. Happ), then Lidge is definitely going to get his opportunities. He proved how dominant he can be during the 2008 season and postseason and if he continues his strong postseason this year, chances are good that the Phillies will successfully defend their World Series title.
