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Originally Posted by MaTH716
Here's my thoughts (for what they are worth).
Obviously Ryan Howard did nothing for the Phillies. But no one is really mentioning the ineffectiveness of Rollins and Victorino to an extent. Utley hit 5 homeruns and 4 of them were solo shots. I really think the ability of Jeter and Damon setting the table versus Rollins and Victorino is a major part that isn't being mentioned. I just feel that Jimmy Rollins is the straw that stirs the Phillies drink. When he's on base he causes chaos, not to mention as the series went on he just seemed to lose that swagger that he has.
As far as pitching goes, Mariano is the best ever at the position. Every other closer in the playoffs had some sort of meltdown, except Mariano. With Mr. Automatic there, you are basically only trying to get 21 outs so you can hand it off to him. Honarable mention goes to Damaso Marte who was also brilliant. With the rest of the bullpen (besides Mariano) doing their best to spit the bit, he definitley showed some backclass and lights out stuff shutting down the Phills.
As far as Lidge goes, sure he wasn't good in his only apperance. And I really believe that if he gets out of that inning the Phills probably win that game in the bottom of the inning with the heart coming up. But with that being said, maybe Manuel should have gotten his feet wet a little earlier than game 4. Not making excuses for the guy, but he hadn't seen action for a while. Also give Johnny Damon credit for a great at bat, and of course A-Rod.
With exception of Burnett in game 2, I really didn't think that Yanks starting pitching was that dominate, but they got the job done.
For the most part with exception of Hamels and Pedro (who should have been lifted earlier) last night, the Phills starting pitching did enough to keep them in the games. But the offense really was never able to put together many big innings.
Also I don't think Charle Manuel did a great job. Down 2-1 you really have to go back to your ace who was so brilliant in game 1. Also last night, playing Ben Francisico. Is there no other better option on the bench?
But in my opinion the Phills offense is the major culprit in them getting beat. The Yanks had a huge hole in the back of their lineup, with Cano, Swisher, Cabrerra/Gardner, but the other guys made them pay. For the Phills besides Utley, Werth and Ruiz (who I can't believe how good he is) the rest of the lineup was a total failure.
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I agree with everything except maybe the Lidge thing. He just didnt belong there and did nothing at all this year to prove he belonged there. He's okay as long as EVERYTHING goes his way.. but when Damon stole second and third you could see everything drain out of Lidge. Then its on the manager to get someone else out there to record that 3rd out (2 outs when Damon did the stealing) and get outta there without giving up any runs. I guess the problem was We dont Have anyone else!!!
I'm proud of my team though I REALLY wanted to win and also a better outing. Its just ashame our offense had to slump so bad because the Yanks were very hittable.
And yes.. from the beginning of the thread.. I'd still take Ruiz over Posada and Howard over Tex (though Howard stunk) any day.