Philadelphia Phillies (87-67) v New York Yankees (93-61)
Best-of-seven, Phillies with the home-field advantage.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES S+ PAGE
NEW YORK YANKEES S+ PAGE
What a thrill for Phillies fanatics – 30 long, lean years and finally they’ve got a ticket to The Big Dance.
Despite the wight of expectations after such a long wait, I doubt this squad will fear the Yankees, who themselves will be keen to make amends for years of underperformance. The Phillies can match them blow for blow, with Chuck Klein, Hack Wilson, George Scales, Del Bissonette and the highly-underrated Adam Comorosky all guns. The addition of Dazzy Vance in the offseason has really bolstered their rotation, led by Jesse Hubbard, and the bullpen is serviceable enough. It is a good, well-rounded squad in every aspect.
That said, this Yankees lineup is up there with the best, with Gehrig and Ruth still the fulcrum but Stearnes possibly their most dangerous hitter right now. Rap Dixon has had the season he’s been working towards since entering the league, while Bill Dickey drove in 91 runs from the 6 slot and “Poosh ‘em up” Tony Lazzeri has plenty of pop as well.
But it is in the pitching ranks that the Yankees have made the biggest strides, with two of the league’s best young arms now in pinstripes: 31-game winner Red Ruffing and presumptive AL RoY Lefty Gomez. If they can handle the pressure then I think the Yanks just have the edge.
I’m expecting another riveting Series here, with both clubs absolutely going for it from first pitch to last.
Yankees in seven for mine.