The Series: A Phillies Wish List

The cold hard truth is that the American League is stronger than the National League and Tampa Bay showed themselves to be their league's best, so the Phils have their work cut out for them. On paper, the Rays probably are even or have the edge in every facet of the game, with the possible exception of the bullpen. The concern about the long layoff hurting the Phils is silly. The hitters can't cool off any more than they already have - Rollins and Howard combined for 5 for 33 against the Dodgers. For the National League Champions to have a fighting chance, they're going to have to elevate their game, and keep it there:

Jimmy Rollins needs to get on base (home runs are acceptable) at least twice a game, preferably when he's leading off which makes his first at bat particularly important. If and when he gets on, he needs to run the base paths aggressively.

Rollins, Howard, Burrell and Werth must try to go the other way at the plate. We all know the drill. When these guys try to pull everything, and you can throw in a few other names as well, they hit miserably. They know it, the coaches and fans know it, and it is constantly talked about, and yet they still don't execute it for more than a few games at a time. They got away with it against weaker competition. Against the mighty American League, I don't think they can.

It goes without saying that the Phillies will be looking for at least 5-6 quality innings from their starters. What team doesn't? Since it's not likely they will achieve this in every game, the effectiveness of Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and even J.A. Happ could loom large. Durbin, whose role was critical throughout most of the year, has struggled in recent weeks and this would be a good time for him to get his second wind.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is not going to be easy.