Every year, it seams, we're told we're going to have a great World Series.
We're usually disappointed.
So, we here at The Southpaw have decided to preview each individual game.
Let's start with Game 1, which looks like it could be a great pitching matchup.
You know the names: New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia is going up against the Philadelphia Phillies' southpaw Cliff Lee.
You also know the background: Both have Cy Young Awards in their back pockets.
Both were teammates on the Cleveland Indians last May. You know the last time the Phillies faced CC Sabathia in the postseason Shane Victorino slayed the dragon with a grand slam. You know the last time the Phillies played the Bronx Bombers, the boys from New York swept the Phillies aside.
Now, here's what you don't know.
The career numbers lean heavily toward Sabathia.
He has a 3.00 ERA against the Phillies for his career - not counting last season's National League Division Series.
Lee, however, has a 5.04 career ERA against the Yankees.
Here are the Phillies' hitters when batting against lefties:
Shane Victorino's batting average increases slightly from a .284 mark to .288. However, his power takes a big jump of 51 points.
Jimmy Rollins' left-right splits aren't nearly as drastic. However, he's a slightly better hitter from the right side. His batting average increases seven points and his OPS jumps from .768 to .783.
For the Yankees, first baseman Mark Teixeira is much liker Rollins. There's a slight, but noticeable increase in his numbers against left-handed hitters.
Nick Swisher is an odd case. He's a better overall hitter, and much more selective, when he bats right-handed. However, his slugging takes a 30 percent drop.
Melky Cabrera takes several noticeable hits when he's batting from the right side. His average drops 14 points, his OPS falls 31 points and, oddly, his stolen base production plummets.
Not only does he have fewer steals, but his percentage goes from respectable to horrifying. That must have something to do with where he hits in the batting order.
However, Figgins, while not the only basestealing threat, was the Angels' only real burner.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have two. It's hard to imagine Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino both slumping and not causing chaos.
Victorino will probably make the better plays in this series, but Cabrera will make the more important ones - holding triples to doubles and doubles to singles.
Now, let's get ready for Game 1.
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