The Philadelphia Philles were the proud owners of the NL’s best record during the regular season, and hold home field advantage against the Cincinnati Reds in their Division Series playoff matchup, beginning Wednesday.
So why should anyone believe that the Reds, and their recently extended manager Dusty Baker, can topple the heavily phavorited Phils?
Oh, let me count the ways.
While we all recognize that Philly has as good a starting rotation as there is in the postseason, led by Doc Holliday, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels, the Reds have an impressive, if young, staff of their own.
Plus, they hold an X factor in young gun Aroldis Chapman, and his 105-mph fastball.
Bottom line, the pressure is on the Phillies simply because they are expected to win, while the Reds come in loosy-goosy and ready for anything.
So, come join me as I show you why the underdog is not always to be taken lightly in a short series.