The Phillies finally get their chance to play the big boys this weekend as they play a three-game set at the new Yankees Stadium.
After a week of playing teams like the Nationals and Reds the allure of playing in the "House that Money Built" gives the Phillies a chance to see just how good they are right now. And, the Phillies fans get a chance to take over a stadium that doesn't often get crashed by the opposing fans.
Let's talk about the game on the field first.
Yankees stadium is playing like a NASA launch pad so far this season as homers fly over the blue walls at a record pace.
This is a match up of monster mashers. The Phillies bring sluggers Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jayson Werth to the plate while the Yanks counter with big boppers Mark Teixeira, Johnny Damon, Nick Swisher and a guy they call A-Rod.
Chicks should have plenty to dig this weekend because the ball should be flying out of Yankees stadium. It's a fair assumption considering that the Phils and Yanks both lead their leagues in long balls, according to ESPN's Steve Phillips.
But the long ball isn't the key to the series.
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Yanks fans should be confident that they have what it takes to win, according to The 700 Level guest blogger Rob Iracane. His reason for confidence is simple -- pitching.
Pitching really is the key to this series despite all the power that both teams bring to the plate.
The Yankees send three potential aces to the hill (A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and CC Sabathia) while the Phillies only counter with one (Cole Hamels). The other two starters for the Phillies can't make fans feel easy about the series.
Brett Myers currently leads baseball in homers allowed -- a dishonor he shares with teammate Jamie Moyer. Entering the Yankees Stadium launch pad you have to assume that Myers is going to give up a couple bombs at least.
Saturday could be even more troublesome for Phils fans (including this writer who will be in the house). Rookie J.A. Happ toes the rubber bringing his five career starts into Yankees Stadium while the Yanks will counter with Pettitte and his 434 career starts. Advantage: Yankees.
Hamels and Sabathia square off Sunday in a battle of top pitchers. Both these guys are hot lately but Hamels hasn't recently been tagged by the Phillies like Sabathia was in last year's Division Series. Advantage: Phillies.
But the action on the field might pale in comparison to the trash talk in the stands. Even though Yanks and Phils fans both share a common enemy -- the Mets -- we also share common distaste for the opposing city's sports fans. (Just think about the Giants/Eagles rivalry.)
Expect to see plenty of red and white in the sea of Yankees' pinstripes, as hundreds of Phillies fans will make the trip to the Bronx.
It will be interesting to see how many of those Phils fans come with "A-Roid" signs ready to hassle the Yankees star.
So whether your in the stands, down the shore or sitting at home, have fun watching or listening to baseball this weekend.
After all these same teams might be playing in the same place come October.
