The Philadelphia Phillies Win the National League Pennant
by Bodog Sportsbook | Oct 16 2008
Phillies Win The PennantAfter taking just five games to manhandle the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, the Philadelphia Phillies are winners of the National League Pennant and off to their first World Series since 1993.
It’s been a long time coming from a Phillies team that has seen its fair share of disappointment. After years of frustration culminated in last year's early first-round exit, this Phillies team was determined to prove its critics wrong. They played excellent baseball down the stretch of the regular season to capture the NL East division title and the ball just kept rolling from there. They steamrolled past the Brewers in the NLDS and pushed the Dodgers around in the NLCS.
Excellent defense, explosive hitting and a “lights out” bullpen have been the keys to success for the Phillies. Starting pitcher Cole Hamels was appropriately named the Phillies' MVP as he earned three wins during their pennant run. But the bullpen platoon of Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, Scott Eyre and the anchor, Brad Lidge, has been nothing short of spectacular. Lidge hasn’t blown a save all season long and his perfection has spread to the rest of the bullpen in the postseason.
Home Grown TalentThis pennant win should be extra special to the Philadelphia Phillies, their fans and management. Skipper Charlie Manuel and GM Pat Gillick have groomed this team and added the right pieces to help them return to the World Series. They are a team that was built from the ground up, with a core of homegrown talent that was developed from within the organization. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Pat Burrell are among the many Phillies that have come up through the organization and are now the faces of the franchise.
The Phillies now await the winner of the Rays versus the Red Sox. The Rays have a 3-1 series lead and will be hoping to clinch a berth to their first World Series tonight.
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