Handicapping the November 9 and THE WORLD EFFING CHAMPIONS

If you don't know already, Alcanthang runs the Full Tilt blog over here. He recently asked Spaceman and myself to handicap the final 9 players in this years WSOP.

Go check it out. We are doing it in three parts which includes three players per part starting with the highest stacks. Part 1 is up now. Go read.


Let's take a look at yesterday's debacle for the Phillies. Yes it was a debacle for two reasons. One, I get that Charlie thinks that the game is winnable, and yes, if they win game two, the series is all but wrapped up. So I give him credit for trying. But what I am referring to is the fact that he used two starters as relief pitchers.

My question is, if you are not going to use Eyres, Durbin, or Condrey, why have them on the roster? This is so unlike Charlie.

The question about Hamels even starting has to be asked as well. It's a tough decision to pull your number 1/2 starter out of the rotation but let's look at two poignant facts. first, he is win less with a +5 ERA in day games. Secondly, the guys wife went into labor yesterday. While he was pitching. Charlie stated he was taking him out anyway because of the performance (which allowed Hamels to leave the ball field immediately). If the guy's head is elsewhere, why even start him?

I understand, professionals and all, I get it. I also get that the phils never really got their bats working until late. A little too late as it were (It wasn't until the 7th inning that they put a runner in scoring position) But the more important fact to look at is why is he sending Happ or Blanton in as relievers? Things like this really sink a season... or playoff run for that matter.

If their bats get hot, they should fly through the NLDS and CS. People also underestimate, or take for granted their defense. Arguably the best in the league. But Hamels and Lee have to win every time they step on the mound. We've already lost one. I'm not worried about Colorado. I still think it's going to be easy to get through at least one game in Denver, if not both. If it does get back here, Lee will be pitching and it should be a cake walk.

Taking 5 games to dispatch a lesser team will take a little of the swagger off of the Phils though, and going against LA (I'm not counting out the Cards yet, but it can't look good for their fans), is going to be a different story. And if it is the Cards, look the hell out. That will be one hot team having won 3 to make it to the NLCS.

I have faith in Charlie though, and certainly the rest of the team. I'm not going to discuss the probabilities of playing in the World Series yet, and who they may face. Let's get through Saturday first.