Whether you want to see it or not, it's lingering: the possibility of having a rematch in the World Series is highly likely.
Going into the playoffs the Philadelphia Phillies are the hottest team, winning 22 of their last 29 games. The Yankees on the other hand, in a bold move decided to leave A.J. Burnett out of the rotation against the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS.
So is it possible these two teams could meet in the World Series in consecutive years? I am fortunate to say that during spring training I picked the Phillies beating the Yankees in a rematch of last year's World Series, in which the Yankees won.
The mere fact that my prediction is still possible is unbelievable. The reality is, these two teams are the clear favorites heading into the playoffs. Philadelphia should ease its way into the World Series and represent the NL for the third straight year. The Yankees, however, face a tougher task.
Phillies starting pitching consisting of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt is clearly the best of the eight teams in the playoffs. The Phillies lineup has power and speed. The list of names is mind-blowing: Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez.
Yankees starting pitching, besides CC Sabathia, resembles its starting pitchers from 2004-07; during this time Yankee pitchers doomed it's teams that had potent offenses. Pitching problems for the Yankees could be what prevents this match-up from taking place.
The Yankees ranked 21st during the regular season in Quality Starts. Concerns about Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes have the Yankees bracing themselves for an early exit.
If the Yankees are able to overcome major questions regarding it's pitching staff, you have to feel good about them reaching the World Series.
These two teams have been the most dominate over the last two seasons, common sense would tell us they have a good chance of meeting again in the playoffs. This clash could be epic, with two organizations resembling all star teams. It will create a new rivalry in sports that leaves us begging for more.
This time Philadelphia will take care of business preventing the Yankees from adding to it's rich history.
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