Phinally, Philadelphia Takes Home a Championship

The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2008 World Series Champions after defeating the Rays 4-3 in a game that lasted more than two full days. Philly made quick work of the Rays and raised their trophy after just five games. Tampa Bay was baseball's darlings after going worst to first in the American League, but were no match for the Phightin' Phils.
Cole Hamels is now an icon. A World Series MVP and an undefeated record in the postseason. Cole Hamels dominated hitters all postseason long, in fact he had a very strong regular se! ason campaign as well. Hamels is extremely young and will be around for a while. There was no better pick for World Series MVP. The Phillies may not have had the best starting pitching, but they stepped up when it matted. Brett Myers was sent down to the AAA level at one point this season, but returned and helped Philadelphia overtake the Mets and get into the playoffs. Jamie Moyer, the ageless one, was awful until the World Series, but won a huge game 3 when they needed him most. Joe ! Blanton was spectacular in game 4 to round out this rotation. ! The sto ry of the Phillies all season long was their bullpen and this continued. Brad Lidge did not blow a single save during the regular season and the postseason. This is incredible. Lidge was the ultimate stopper and when he took the mound in the 9th inning of game 5 there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to close the game out. Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, Chad Durbin, etc. all were fantastic leading up to Lidge. The pitching was huge.
Philly did not play the greatest defense during the regular season, but stepped up in October which was a huge key to their success. But, we all know Philly's strength was the offense. With Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Pat Burrell all in this lineup this team can outscore anyone. Let's not forget underrated players like Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, and Carlos Ruiz. This prolific offense struggled a bit with runners in scoring position, but still had enough to beat Tampa Bay.
Charlie Manuel lost his mother not too long ago. This is obviously a very difficult thing to go through, especially when you have to manage a professional baseball team. Manuel did a fantastic job, and it was very apparent these players won this for him. This is a story that will not be forgotten and will be remembered not just by Phillies fans, but by baseball fans everywhere.
Congratulations Philadelphia, your Phillies are the 2008 World Series Champions!