The first stop on the way to the 2008 World Series title was Milwaukee. The Phillies beat the Brewers 3-1 in the NLDS.
Could this series be a playoff preview?
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” said former Phillies pitcher/MLB network color commentator Jim Kaat, before last night’s game (ended too late for Metro). “You look at the Phillies pitching staff and you can’t help but be impressed. They have a great staff. And Milwaukee has as a very good staff as well. Having good starting pitching is important and both teams have it.”
Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, who will start the last two games of this Phils-Brewers’ series, have scored major ink. However, the Brewers also boast an impressive rotation.
The Brewers gave up a lot of young talent in a trade for Zack Greinke, who has been on the DL due to a fractured rib. The 2009 AL Cy Young winner is followed by Yovani Gallardo, who won 27 games the last two seasons; and Shaun Marcum, who won 13 games in 2010.
The Brewers’ offense is led by power hitters Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun.
“We have a good offense and so do they,” Braun said. “They also have tremendous pitching, and we’re going to see a lot of it during this series. They’re a great team.”
Shane Victorino tipped his cap right back.
“They’re a tough team,” Victorino said. “They have it all. They could go far. This series is going to be really interesting.”
