This is going to be a very interesting NLDS series because of two players: the Phillies’ slugger Ryan Howard and Milwaukee ace CC Sabathia. Both are arguably the hottest players at their positions right now over the last month, with Howard has 11 home runs, 32 RBI’s and a ridiculous .851 slugging percentage for the month of september, and Sabathia is 11-2 for the Brewers with a slick 1.61 ERA. It is unlikely that Sabathia will be used in game 1 because he would be pitching on two days rest, but game 2 is almost a given because the Brewers plan is to run him in game 5 if it goes that far. But this places the Brewers in a pinch because number 2 pitcher Ben Sheets is listed as day to day but has said himself that it’s unlikely he will pitch in the postseason due to a nagging elbow problem (http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports//index.php?ntid=306849). That leaves Milwaukee to with Jeff Suppan (10-10, 4..96 ERA) and Dave Bush (9-10, 4.18 ERA) whose numbers aren’t terrible but do suggest that the Brewer’s bullpen will be relied upon heavily. Again, while not terrible, the bullpen has been sluggish, especially lately, and the Phillies are a team that feasts on weak bullpens. If the Brewers’ bats can produce run support, Milwaukee has a good chance to compete in this series, and if they make it to game 5 and throw Sabathia on the mound it could be a very intriguing finale. But Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder haven’t been hitting at their early-season clips, partially resulting in the team’s near fall from playoff contention. Milwaukee could swing either way emotionally: either they build on their first emotional last game or they continue deflating as they have the past few weeks.

On the other side Philadelphia has bats and solid pitching, not to mention the hottest hitter (Howard) and the last two NL MVP’s (Howard and Jimmy Rollins). Plus, they are starting ace Cole Hammels in game 1, which means he won’t have to deal against Sabathia. Factor in that the Phillies’ bullpen was arguably the best in the National League, and the pitching battle favors Philadelphia. Sabathia is also going through a stretch of four straight starts on 3 days rest, and he could be tired come his outing in game two (certainly if he pitches in game 1). The Brewer’s closer, although talented, is not playoff-tested, so unless Sabathia goes the distance in his start and throws the game of his life, Howard, Rollins and Utley, along with the other good batters on the Phillies, will test him, just as they will be doing with the rest of the weary Brewers bullpen. The Phillies also hold the advantage in the managing department with Charlie Manuel over interim Brewers manager Doug Melvin because of his Manuel’s postseason experience.

Hotter bats + solid starting pitchers + best bullpen in baseball + team and manager with playoff experience = all-around Phillies advantage. I think the Philadelphia Phillies win this series in 4 games, and go on to the National League Championship Series against the winner of the Dodgers vs. Cubs.