Game 5: The Battle of the Bullpens

When game 5 finally resumes tonight at 8:37 pm, we'll see strategy come into play as both managers will need to work their magic. Charlie Manuel and the Phillies are 9 outs and 1 run away from winning the teams second world championship in 125 years. Joe Maddon and the Rays are on the brink of losing their first visit to the World Series if they don't come up with something fast.

Who is the pressure on? It's a good question. Many people are saying it's on the Phillies, because they do not want to head back down to Florida and face the cow bells again. We disagree. The Phillies are in a great position. They have the better bullpen and the better lineup. Here's what Charlie Manuel had to say, "I think the way it sets up right now is, we've got a good bullpen," Manuel said. "We've got 12 outs, and they have nine coming. And I feel like we feel like we're strong, and we can win, and we're going to be ready to play the game."

It looks like right handed reliever Grant Balfour will take the mound in the bottom of the 6th for the Rays. Due up for the Phillies is Cole Hamels (the pitchers spot), which will "Dobbviously" be a pinch hitter. This is where Charlie comes into play. Does he send up Greg Dobbs to get things started? He does have 22 pinch hits this season, an all-time Phillies record. Does he send up Matt "Second Facade" Stairs, or the heart of the bench in Geoff Jenkins. We say go with Dobbs. If Dobbs can get on, with Rollins and Werth to follow, we may have something cooking.

For the Phillies bullpen, they need 9 more outs. Achieving this is nothing new for the team. Due up for the Rays is catcher Dioner Navarro who is a switch hitter with a better average from the left side. Charlie will have to choose from Scott Eyre and J.C. Romero, he may choose to save J.C. for the big boys such as Carl Crawford. Don't forget "The Bridge to Lidge" Ryan Madson will be available for the 8th, and our no longer a secret, but untouchable weapon, Brad "Lights Out" Lidge for the 9th. OUR VOTE: ADVANTAGE PHILS!