The Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies might just be the hottest two teams in MLB history, and meet each other in one NLDS. The Phillies are 13-4 in their last 17 games and have completed the biggest comeback in MLB history erasing a seven game deficit in those last 17 games. The Rockies were no less impressive going 14-1 in their last 15 games, and are coming off a one-game, 13-inning, exhilarating 9-8 play-in victory against San Diego.
It's too bad one of these teams must lose.
Philadelphia overcame shaky, inconsistent and injured riddled pitching as well as injuries to two of its stars, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard - MVP candidates in any other year, to win the pennant. The Phillies led the NL in runs scored and hit the second-most home runs. They earned their first playoff birth since 1993 and have been led all season by Jimmy Rollins, the engine that could…get 716 at-bats, a new MLB record). Rollins played in all 162 games, played well at shortstop, and led the NL with 139 runs to go along with his .294 average, 30 HRs, 94 RBIs and 41 stolen bases. All of this leads to Rollins being a top NL MVP candidate (along with Matt Holliday of the Rockies). Their top six hitters (Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Rowand and Burrell) are imposing and resemble an AL lineup.
Colorado led the NL in average (.280) and came in second in runs scored to the Phillies. Colorado played in the most competitive division in baseball, the NL West. For most of the season Arizona and San Diego were penciled in as playoff participants, though Colorado was always in the rear view mirror until they put together their magical September run.
The Rockies have offense fire power, set a record for fielding percentage, and are entering the playoffs with a ton of confidence. The Rockies are led by their MVP candidate, Matt Holiday, who led the NL with a .340 average, and had 36 HRs, 137 RBIs, an on-base percentage of .405, and OPS of 1.012, but also got significant contributions from Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki, Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe.
While offense rarely rules in the playoff, this series could be an exception. These two hot, offensive-oriented teams playing in hitter friendly ballparks might just make this a very exciting and high scoring series. Play Ball!
1 comment:
The Rockies get no respect. Its good they won last night. Maybe now the country will start to realize that these guys can play and winning all those games at the end was no fluke.
Holliday may not get the coverage Rollins does but he should at least split the MVP award with him.
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