SF Giants (59-43) @ Philadelphia Phillies (64-37)

 

My Fellow Phans,

So the Phillies are coming off of a series win against the Padres although they did miss a golden chance to sweep them yesterday.

Next they face the Giants. It is the matchup that all fans in this area have been waiting for since the Phillies’ season last year was ended by SF in the NLCS. Excitement is building and for some, tension is high as the defending World Champions come to town.

Bruce Bochy got his wish as you will see with the pitching matchups this series. His scheming during the All-Star Game set up a series against the Phillies minus the top 2 in the Phillies rotation; Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay.

That doesn’t mean the Phillies are going into this series unarmed. I still believe in our chances to win this series despite the Bochy Factor.

A last second note was handed to me a few moments ago. Tim Lincecum, tonight’s scheduled starter, has been scratched from his start. Barry Zito will pitch in his place. With this new change, I am flip flopping the two players in my preview. There is no, I repeat no, confirmation of Timothea pitching tomorrow, but for now I am listing him as the opponent to Cole Hamels.

Giants / Phillies Preview:

Tuesday, July 26:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – myPHL17

Vance Worley (6-1 2.02) vs. Barry Zito (3-2 4.78)

Wednesday, July 27:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN & ESPN

Cole Hamels (12-5 2.62) vs. Tim Lincecum (8-8 2.90) *

Thursday, July 28:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Kyle Kendrick (5-4 3.45) vs. Matt Cain (8-6 3.06)

Breakdown:

At first glance, the Phillies look overmatched this series. However, I believe this to be far off. The Phillies and Giants are very similar teams. Both have excellent rotations with average lineups. The Giants edge the Phillies in ERA, but sit next to last, behind their division rival, the Padres in runs scored.

Yes, the Phillies will be facing a tough staff, but the light-hitting Giants lineup will be facing some quality starting pitching as well. In just pitching matchups alone, the Giants have a slight edge, but overall the Phillies have a stronger offensive club.

Analysis:

Before we all panic about this series, remember that the Phillies have beaten Matt Cain a few times before. Even the Giants appear weary of him pitching in Philadelphia, look at last' year’s NLCS for proof of this. We also beat Barry Zito too.

I think the Phillies can win 2-of-3 this series. Yes, I will warn all you fans now; this will be an excruciatingly tough series to watch offensively. Matt Cain is a flyball pitcher pitching in a hitter friendly ballpark where the ball flies during warm weather. Let’s hope the Phillies can take advantage.

I will keep tabs on this Lincecum situation and do my best to update you accordingly.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Reading and Go Phillies