Those Unbeatable Philadelphia Phillies

Record in games started by their respective big threes:

Yankees: 59-25 (.702)
Rangers: 44-36 (.550)
Giants: 61-38 (.616)
Phillies: 50-28 (.641)

It's really easy to fall into the trap of assuming the Phillies are going to roll through the playoffs because they have Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. It's already happened to me a few times in conversation. It happens because it's so easy, and it seems like such a big deal. But when you actually sit down and think about it, just talking about the front three starters leaves out so, so much.

Roy Halladay allowed 74 runs this season. Cole Hamels allowed 74, too. Roy Oswalt allowed 70. They've given up hard-hit runs, and they've given up fluke runs. Sometimes one little break is all you need in the playoffs, and remember that these guys are only going to go up against the top three of whichever team they're facing.

The Phillies have an awesome rotation. It's the best one left. It is not so much better than anyone else's that they ought to be the clear, undeniable favorites to take this thing home. As obvious as it sounds: we just can't predict with any kind of certainty what's going to happen, and all four of the teams remaining have an excellent chance.