The Phillies will be playing the Colorado Rockies in the 2007 National League Division Series. The youthful franchise, which was founded in 1993, is making its second trip to the post season and is coming in red hot. The trouble with hot teams is that they win games they’re not supposed to…take for instance Tuesday night. In an intensely fought 13-inning game, the Rockies slid into the playoffs on a questionable call at home plate. No matter. The Phillies are pretty toasty themselves.
Down the stretch, the Rockies won 14 of 15, while the Phillies won 13 of 17. Just before the respective winning streaks began, the two teams split a four-game slugfest in Philly. There is little doubt the upcoming series will any different; both teams have MVP-candidates, top ranking sluggers, and ballparks that love the long ball. Speaking of which, Ryan Howard was officially awarded for his heroics in the final week with NL Player of the Week honors.
Looking forward to the series, you have to wonder how the Rockies will handle the momentum from last night. I’m sure they will be exhausted after playing nearly five hours of baseball and hopping on a flight to PHL. Matt Holliday looked a little banged up, but I’m sure will be in the lineup on Wednesday. He, Todd Helton and the rest of the Rockies will be up against Cole Hamels who will once again be pitching in the biggest game of his life, this Wednesday at 3pm. He will be opposed by the lefty Jeff Francis. Francis finished the season 17-9 with a 4.22 ERA, and went 0-1 in two starts against the Fightins. He lasted a mere three-and-a-third innings in his September 13 outing, ultimately being chased by an Utley homer.
The upcoming games will be surrounded by an incredible atmosphere. I think we’ve finally had time to allow this to sink in and enjoy the prospect of a World Series. Many of us – although terrified to have our hearts broken again – still believed and a well-deserved playoff series has come to the city. Although I was stranded in DC Sunday evening, technology afforded me the opportunity to share my joy with Mike and the crowd on the radio at WNJC. For fans in similar situations around the country and the world, I recommend leaving a comment on where you will be watching the game, in hope of rallying some crowds. For the Washington, DC contingent, Rhino Bar & Pumphouse in Georgetown is where Phillies fans will congregate. I unfortunately will be in the wrong playoff city, and plan on watching the game at America’s Original Sports Bar in Phoenix. No matter where you are though, you can feel it. This is the playoffs.
[quicktime]https://www.philliesnation.com/nl_east_interview.mp3[/quicktime]
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