2009 World Series Preview

The 2009 World Series is finally here! The Philladelphia Phillies, winners of last year's World Series, are playing the New York Yankees, who have made it back here thanks to the performnaces of guys like A-Rod, C.C. Sabathia, and Mark Texiera.

The Phillies and Yankees played each other in Yankee Stadium back in May, with the Phillies taking two of three games from the Yankees. Afterwards, Phillies Shortstop Jimmy Rollins said the following:"
How great would that be? A World Series here, us against the Yankees? We've proved we can put on a pretty good show." Rollins last night made a prediction about how he thinks the World Series will go:
"If we're nice, we'll let it go six. But I'm thinking five, close it out at home."

Here is a position by position breakdown to see which team has the edge:
FIRST BASE: Ryan Howard Vs Mark Teixiera
Both Howard and Texiera have been clutch this season. Both players have stepped up when their team has needed them. Texiera hit a walkoff homerun in Game Two of the American League Division Series.
SECOND BASE: Chase Utley Vs Robinson Cano
Chase Utley is baseball's best Second baseman. Robinson Cano is a pretty good double play guy at second base.
THIRD BASE: Alex Rodriguez vs Pedro Feliz
A-Rod has been on a tear this postseason. He is the best third baseman in the game.
SHORTSTOP:Jimmy Rollins vs Derek Jeter
Although Derek Jeter may be baseball's most decorated shortstop, Jimmy Rollins is a pretty good player in his own right.
LEFT FIELD: Raul Ibanez vs Hideki Matsui/Johnny Damon
Raul Ibanez has been a real nice signing for the Phillies. Matsui and Damon have both hit well and played well in left.
CENTER FIELD: Shane Victorino Vs Melky Cabrera
Shane Victorino has done it all for the Phillies this year. He has hit homers and stolen bases, Victorino is the heart of the Phillies lineup.
RIGHT FIELD: Nick Swisher vs Jayson Werth
Jayson Werth hit two homeruns in the clinching NLCS Game Five. Swisher may be the most laid back guy in the Yankee Clubhouse.
CATCHER: Jorge Posada Vs Carlos Ruiz
Carlos Ruiz is the second best catcher in the National League, behind Yadier Molina. Jorge Posada is a veteran backstop. It's just a a shame that he and A.J. Burnett can't get on the same page.
CLOSER: Mariano Rivera vs Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge was perfect in the regular season and postseason last year. This year, Lidge led all of baseball with ten blown saves. Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer in the history of baseball. He is almost unbeatable on that mound in the ninth inning.

Here is my pick for the winner of the 2009 World Series.
NEW YORK YANKEES
The Phillies are good, but the Yankees are better. The Yankees are going to win this series, but Philly will play hard. I am expecting the Yankees to win this series in six or seven games, but they will win it all.