A lot of interesting subplots in today's opening game between the Phillies and Brewers in the NLDS.
Yovani Gallardo made a triumphant return from ACL surgery to just make it back in time for the end of the season and will go up against the Phillies' franchise ace, King Cole.
Pat Burrell wound up tweaking his back during batting practice yesterday and will possibly miss this game today, leaving the door open for Geoff Jenkins to play as he hopes to sting his former squad.
The Phillies and Brewers were two teams who were dead in the water a few weeks ago. And, the Phillies swept the Brewers, thereby forcing them to replace their manager (Ned Yost) with former Brewer and Phillie Dale Sveum.
On paper it's a pretty evenly matched series. The Phillies were 3rd in the NL with 799 runs, and the Brewers were 7th with 750. Both teams can mash it; the Phils had 214 homers and the Brew Crew had 198 dingers.
Pitching, the Brewers get the edge slightly. They were 2nd in pitching in the NL with a 3.85 ERA, while the Phils were 4th with a 3.88. The Phils have a superior bullpen, but the Brewers have a pair of studs in Sabathia and Gallardo who will give the Phils serious problems. Hopefully Hamels and Myers can step up like they did in that series a few weeks back-that will be the key.
Expect a 3-2 game today. I think the Phils will lose today because Gallardo has a serious fastball and serious breaking stuff that will shut their offense down. Not to be a buzz kill, but Gallardo is that good. The Phils can win this series in five though.
Game starts at 3:00 PM on TBS.
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