It's The Yankees In Six

As a lifelong Mets fan, I perhaps have never felt as much stress as I do now. After one of the worst seasons in team history given the expectations, I now see the NOT SO Amazin's Big Apple rivals and their National League nemesis meeting in the 105th World Series. Let's hope that the Wilpons are watching to learn how to rightly see how it's done.

I'll say here and now that I wish all these New York "Chamber of Commerce" fans like Mike Bloomberg who root for the Yanks just because it's a Fall Classic in New York would go away and hide. That's almost as cheesy as newscasters who wear team hats on the set. Back in 2000, after watching video of the Mets beat the Cardinals to win the National League Pennant and earn the right to face the Yankees, one newsie said, "I'll put on a Mets cap when they reach the World Series!" Please.

Below is my look at and reasoning for the YANKEES winning in 6 games.

First base: VERY TOUGH call here. Ryan Howard can carry a team on his back, while Mark Texiera is a terrific all round player. It's close, but Tex is better with the glove, and he gets the nod.
EDGE: YANKEES

Second base:I go with Chase Utley here. Despite his error that gave the Dodgers Game 2 of the NLCS, he has better range than Cano (Robinson has a great arm) and he has that sense of grit and guts you like to see in an infielder. No slight on Cano. I think Utley is a bit more used to the big game spotlight.
EDGE: PHILLIES

Shortstop: WFAN has a frequent caller from Philly who truly feels Jimmy Rollins is better than Derek Jeter. Well, there's only 1 other postseason player in the last 15-20 years MORE clutch than Jeter, and that is Mariano Rivera. Rollins had a rough year, played better down the stretch, won Game 4 of the NLCS. But Jeter is Jeter.
EDGE: YANKEES

Third Base: Alex Rodriguez or Pedro Feliz: Even without steroids, A-Rod is better with one hand behind his back. Right now, the Yankees 3rd sacker is the best player in the postseason.
BIG EDGE: YANKEES

Outfield: This is the area where the Phillies have a clear advantage. Raul Ibanez has been a huge blessing for the Phillies. Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth are much better defensively than Melky Cabrera and Bick Swisher. Victorino has speed and some pop. Werth is a slugger. Ibanez isn't a young Barry Bonds in LF, but everyone, including me, is better defensively than Johnny Damon. Damon IS a clutch hitter, and he's not afraid in a big spot.
EDGE:PHILLIES

Starting Pitching: Sabathia has had a terrific postseason run. The Yanks may need 3 wins out of him to win the title. Pettitte relishes the big game-the later the series, the better. You DON'T know which Burnett you'll see. If the Yanks get the "good" A.J., that's a good sign. After Cliff Lee, Hamels, Blanton, Pedro & Happ (depending on who they start) aren't close to the Yanks, though Hamels, like Burnett COULD pitch well. Starting Martinez in Game 2 may prove a big mistake for the Phils. Some smart businessman already has "Who's Your Daddy?" posters ready for Yankee Stadium.
EDGE: YANKEES

Bullpen: As long as Mariano Rivera is breathing, the Yankees have the better bullpen. How Girardi manages the pen could be crucial. Yankee fans don't want to see Marte or Acevedo. Dave Robertson could and should have a big role. Park, Madson, Bastardo don't scare you. Brett Myers may be a late add to the roster, so who knows what you get. Lidge has pitched better in the postseason, but he doesn't scare you either.
EDGE: YANKEES

Catcher: Jorge Posada has been here before, still dangerous with the bat. Defensively though, he's a liability. Carlos Ruiz is a better hitter than you think, and terrific calling a game and defensively. Paul Bako spent years as Greg Maddux' personal catcher-that tells you that he's a capable backup, better than Burnett's personal catcher Molina.
SLIGHT EDGE:YANKEES (On the strength of Posada's numbers)

Bench: Matt Stairs had a rough season, but he is a seasoned hitter and pinch hitter. Matsui had a good year for the Yanks but will sit in the middle three games in Philly except to pinch it. Bruntlett and Francisco don't see a lot of time. Hairston and Gardner are capable offensively and defensively for the Yanks, but Guzman is wasted space on the roster. Cervelli is the Yanks' third catcher.
EDGE:YANKEES

Manager: Once again, on paper Joe Girardi is the inferior manager, but perhaps not as much compared to Charlie Manuel as with Gardenhire and Scioscia in the AL Playoffs. Girardi is Mr. Matchup, micromanaging that bullpen like the Fed over AIG. Manuel is beloved by his players. He goes by his gut and will get caught every so often-reference Pedro in Game 2 of the NLCS.
EDGE:PHILLIES

Prediction:The Phils' aren't getting a lot of love for a reigning world champion. The Yankees have all the pressure on them. They are expected to win. Their better overall pitching means they will, in six games.