While Monty has done a fine job recapping each game of the ALCS, I have not lived up to my end of the bargain. Consider this my apology for slacking the past few days.

The Phillies Advance Again

The last National League team to win the World Series in two consecutive years is the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds. In 2009, the Phillies could be the next NL team to repeat. After outscoring the Los Angeles Dodgers 35-16, the Phillies have advanced to the World Series once again. Despite the Dodgers having the highest run differential entering the playoffs, the Phillies pulled off the upset. While the Phillies did have a solid run differential heading into the playoffs, only one of our bloggers picked them to advance to the World Series. Many expected the Phillies to win the NL East this season (I did not, thank you Mets…), however few expected them to have this type of season. Let’s take a look back at how the Phillies have advanced to the World Series.

Career Years?

Ibanez Replaced Pat Burrell Quite Well

In one of the most talked about moves this off-season, the Phillies let Pat Burrell walk and signed Raul Ibanez to replace him. Ibanez responded with somewhat of a career year. While Ibanez had a career high in HRs, SLG, and OPS, his OBP wasn’t great. The other big surprise in the batting order was Jayson Werth. Finally given a chance at +500 ABs, Werth produced in a big way, nearly setting career high in every offensive category. All told, the Phillies had 4 players with 30+ home runs in 2009.

Trouble In The Rotation

One of the biggest issues facing the Phillies in 2009 was a thin starting rotation. While many expected Cole Hamels to continue his growth as an ace, there was little behind Hamels in the rotation. After failed attempts to trade for Roy Halladay, the Phillies turned their attention to Cliff Lee. Lee, who won the AL Cy Young Award in 2008, had pitched pretty well in 2009, but played on an awful Indians team. On July 29th, Lee joined the Phillies in a 6 player deal. Lee wasn’t the only veteran import to join the Phillies. The Phillies also signed Pedro Martinez to help the team down the stretch. Despite low expectations, Pedro performed well (3.63 ERA, 37 Ks to 8 BBs). Let’s take a look at the changes in the Phillies rotation.

As you can see, the Phillies received some surprising performances from J.A. Happ, and Martinez. Even with injuries and ineffectiveness plaguing certain parts of their rotation, the Phillies were able to plug in guys that performed admirably.

Mr. Perfect

This Type Of Thing Has Happened Before

Brad Lidge had a ridiculous season in 2008. He saved 41 of 41 save situations for the Phillies, with an ERA of 1.95 and 92 Ks. 2009 was not too kind to Lidge. While Lidge managed to save 31 games, he also blew 11 games. Lidge’s ERA sits at an ugly 7.21 for the season. However, while Lidge has yet to surrender a run in the 2009 post-season, he is still allowing runners to reach base via the walk. Both Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson have performed well out of the bullpen, and have been able to pick up the slack for Lidge. Despite his struggles, the Phillies have been able to hang on late in playoff games.

Can They Repeat?

Obviously, anything can happen in a short series, but the Yankees look like the stronger team all around. Then again, people thought the same thing about the Tampa Bay Rays last season, and the Phillies were able to beat them easily. For the Phillies to repeat, everything has to go right for them over the next 4-7 games. Then again, everything they have done thus far has worked. From signing Pedro and Ibanez, to sticking with Lidge as the closer, the Phillies have succeeded despite making questionable moves all season. If they can extend their luck just a few more games, we’ll have our first repeat World Series Champions since the 1999-2000 New York Yankees.