Sports Blog

With a 10-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday night, the Philadelphia Phillies have earned a trip to their second consecutive World Series. They scored runs at will against the Dodgers and showed why they are the reigning champions of Major League Baseball.

Their play hasn’t just been good — it has been historically good. They are attempting to become only the fourth National League team to win back to back World Series and the first since the Cincinnati Reds did it in 1975-76.

And what better way to celebrate this tremendous achievement than with your very own Philadelphia Phillies World Series gear! Fastball Fanatics has some great deals on Phillies swag that can be delivered in time for you to show it off while watching game one of this year’s World Series.

This “majestic Philadelphia Phillies red 2009 World Series bound fan favorite hoody sweatshirt” is the perfect piece of Phillie clothing. It will keep you warm if you are lucky enough to tail gate a game and can be worn through the rest of fall and winter. It is on sale for $49.95 and comes in sizes small through double-extra large.

The “Antigua Philadelphia Phillies red 2009 NLCS Champions back to back champs performance polo” allows you to sport your Phillies pride while enjoying a round of golf or a day at the office. It is also on sale for $49.95 and comes in sizes medium through triple-extra large.

One of the most popular ways to share your love of the Phillies is with one of the “Philadelphia Phillies 2009 NLCS Champions red car flags.” They are simple to attach to your car or truck and will show everyone on the road your passion for the Phillies. These 12″ x 15″ car flag comes complete with 21″ pole and are currently on sale for $12.95.

Shop for more affordable Phillies gear at Smarter.com.

N.L. EAST
1. Philadelphia 48 - 38
2. Florida 46 - 44
3. Atlanta 43 - 45
4. NY Mets 42 - 45
5. Washington 26 - 61

Supposedly, one of the strongest divisions going into the season, the N.L. East has been a big disappointment.  Philadelphia coming off a championship season has had a potent offense but have struggled to find consistent pitching.  Look for them to make a big deal at the trade deadline, possibly Roy Holliday, to further separate themselves from the rest of the division.  The Mets have been loaded with injuries and have been forced to play with many people out of position.  Good news could be on the way, however, because Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado might be back to start the second half of the season.  That will give them a chance to compete for the division in the second half.  Florida has been solid all season but the question is: will management make a move to help them seriously compete for the division?   It doesn’t look like it going to happen.  Atlanta’s close too but I don’t see them staying there in the second half.

Predicted Finish: Philadelphia, NY Mets, Florida, Atlanta, Washington

N.L. CENTRAL
1. St. Louis 49 - 42
2. Milwaukee 45 - 43
3. Chicago 43 - 43
4. Houston 44 - 44
5. Cincinnati 42 - 45
6. Pittsburgh 38 - 50

St. Louis has been the class of the division, with Albert Pujols, for the first half.  Its been sort of a surprise that they have been this good.  They are going to have to keep playing good baseball if they want to stay in first because four other teams are within striking distance to start the second half.  Milwaukee and the disappointing Cubs have the best shot at catching them for the division and could make a big deal to put them ahead in the race.  I think it will be a fun race to watch with the second place team possibly winning the Wild Card.  Houston and Cincinnati are close but a bad start to the second half could make them both sellers at the trade deadline.

Predicted Finish: Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Houston, Pittsburgh

N.L. WEST
1. LA Dodgers 56 - 32
2. San Francisco 49 - 39
3. Colorado 47 - 41
4. Arizona 38 - 51
5. San Diego 36 - 52

The Dodgers have been the best team in baseball, with or without Manny Ramirez, for the first half.  Good news is that they will have Manny for the whole second half.  Their pitching has been surprisingly solid so far, as it was looked upon as a weakness to start the season.  If they keep playing the way they are, the second place team in the division can only hope for the Wild Card.  Speaking of the Wild Card, San Francisco and Colorado are first in second in that race at the break.  San Francisco’s pitching has been unbelievable and they are a bat away from becoming a very dangerous team for the playoffs.  Colorado has a solid all around team that is capable of going on long wining streaks.  It will be a fun race till the end.

Predicted Finish: LA Dodgers, San Francisco(Wild Card), Colorado, Arizona, San Diego

Image Source: AP Photo