Colorado Rockies vs.Philadelphia Phillies: NL Division Matchup

The reigning World Series champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, will begin their defense of their baseball title this afternoon against a familiar foe in the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies defeated the Phillies in the National League playoffs two years ago. Will their be deja vu or will the Phillies exact vengeance against Colorado? Let us look at the matchups to see which team will have the advantage.

Catcher: The Colorado Rockies will platoon Chris Ianetta (.228, 16 HR, 52 RBI) with Yorvit TorrealbaYorvit Torrealba (.291, 2 HR, 31 RBI). The Phillies counter with Carlos Ruiz (.255, 9 HR, 43 RBI). All of the catchers are sound defensively, however the Rockies receive more offensive production. Advantage: Colorado.

1B: Colorado's Todd HeltonTodd Helton has had a comeback year batting .325 with 15 HR and 86 RBI. However, Ryan HowardRyan Howard (.279, 45 HR, 141 RBI) is having another career season. Advantage: Philadelphia.

2B: Colorado's Clint BarmesClint Barmes had a bounceback season (.245, 23 HR, 76 RBI). However, Chase UtleyChase Utley had another career year (.282, 31 HR, 93 RBI). Advantage: Philadelphia

SS: Colorado's Troy Tulowitski is one of the bright young stars in the game (.297, 32 HR, 92 RBI). Jimmy RollinsJimmy Rollins (.250, 21 HR, 77 RBI) has sort of had a down year and needs to return to last year's form in order to be the catalyst fo the Phillies. Advantage: Colorado

3B: Garrett AtkinsGarrett Atkins (.226, 9 HR, 48 RBI) is having his worst season as a pro for the Rockies. Pedro FelizPedro Feliz has been steady for the Phillies (.266, 12 HR, 82 RBI). Advantage: Philadelphia

LF: Colorado starts Ryan SpilborghsRyan Spilborghs (.241, 8 HR, 48 RBI) strictly for defensive purposes. Raul Ibanez (.272, 34 HR, 93 RBI) had an astounding year since he was added to the Phillies during the offseason. Advantage: Philadelphia

CF: Colorado starts Dexter Fowler (.266, 4 HR, 34 RBI). He also leads the Rockies with 27 stolen bases. The Phillies counter with the Hawaiian Punch, Shane VictorinoShane Victorino (.292, 10 HR, 62 RBI). Both center fielders will look to be the spark for their teams although Victorino has proven that he can handle the playoff pressure. Advantage: Philadelphia

RF: Colorado's Brad HawpeBrad Hawpe (.285, 23 HR, 86 RBI) and Jayson Werth (.268, 36 HR, 99 RBI) both had solid years. However, Werth's offensive advantage is neutralized because of Hawpe's arm in the outfield. Advantage: Even

Starting Pitching: I have problems with Colorado manager Jim Tracy's pitching rotation. The Rockies' ace, Jason Marquis (15-13, 4.04 ERA) is not starting until Game 4. It is possible that Philadelphia could sweep the series starting Cliff Lee (7-4, 3.39 ERA since being traded from the Cleveland Indians), Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA), the hero from last year's World Series, and a rejuvenated Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.63 ERA). Advantage: Philadelphia

Relief Pitching: Huston Street has been remarkable this season. He appears to have regained his pitching touch after leaving the Oakland Athletics with a 4-1 record, 3.06 ERA, and 35 saves with only 2 blown saves. Philadelphia's Achilles' heel this year has been at the closer. Brad Lidge did not blow a save last year. However, he has blown 11 saves this year and has almost the worst record in history for a closer (0-8, 7.21 ERA).

Overall, I pick the Phillies to win in 4 games. The Phillies' lineup will be too productive throughout the series. The lineup will need to be so that the games are not decided by their relief pitching. However, if the games are close, then the Rockies can pull the upset.