October is right around the corner, and for sports fans this means one thing: the MLB Postseason is about to begin. It’s been a memorable season with Derek Jeter getting his 3,000th hit, Jim Thome smacking his 600th home run and Mariano Rivera tying Trevor Hoffman for the most saves all time. Through Sept. 17, the Philadelphia Phillies have had the best record in the majors, and I’m here to tell you why it will be the Philadelphia Phillies who win the World Series.
Picking the team with the best record to win the championship isn’t the audacious prediction you’re probably looking for, but there’s a reason they sit on top of the league.
At the end of the day, it is pitching that typically wins championships in baseball. Which team just happens to have the best ERA in baseball? Oh yes, the Phillies, with a team ERA of 3.02. Four of their five starting pitchers have an ERA under 3.00, and that fifth guy is only future hall of famer Roy Oswalt. Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay are tied for the National League lead in innings pitched with 219.2. Rookie pitcher Vance Worley has been a breath of fresh air. Of all the rookie pitchers who have made at least 20 starts in the majors, it is Worley who boasts the greatest
ERA (2.85).
In addition, the Phillies share the title for the best defense in the majors, with a .988 fielding percentage. Although their offense isn’t as potent as the Yankees, Rangers or Red Sox, it’s not too shabby. It’s safe to say that anyone would take their chances on a lineup that includes Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Hunter Pence. The Phillies have a winning record against the Brewers, Braves, Red Sox and Rangers this season, all of these potential playoff opponents. They split the season series with
the Diamondbacks.
The MLB Postseason always offers unpredictable events, but I just can’t bet against the city of brotherly love.
