Less than 100 miles separates the homes of this year’s two World Series teams – the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite not competing in the “Fall Classic” in 59 years, the closeness of boundaries between the two team’s fan bases has created a rivalry. So far, the Yankees have gotten the best of the Phillies, and lead the series at 3-2. But “the race” to winning four games has never gotten so suspenseful.

For only the third time in World Series history, the two teams competing have the best regular season records in their respective leagues. The reason why these two teams are in the World Series is because of pitching. So, I decided to compare the pitching of both teams for the possible two games left in the series, and then compare each position player on one team with the player of the same position on the other.

Pitching

Pitching wins championships. All the teams that have won the World Series in the last decade had great pitching. This year’s teams are no different.

Starting the final two games for the Phillies is Pedro Martinez and Cole Hamels. Martinez had a strong game-two by allowing only three runs on six hits in six innings. Hamels wasn’t as successful in game-three: The fourth year pitcher let up five runs in four and one-third innings.

Yankees start the ALCS MVP C.C. Sabathia in game seven. Sabathia has an ERA of 3.37 and 197 strikeouts in 2009.

Pettitte starts a pivotal game six, and is coming off a mediocre start in game-three, however, got the Yanks a win.

The bullpens of both teams are comparable and have struggled thus far in the series. Joba Chamberlain blew a one-run lead in game-four, but so did Brad Lidge for the Phillies on the same night.

The team whose bullpen performs better will most likely win the series. The bullpen that will mess up the least will be the Yankees because of the man pitching in the ninth inning – Mariano Rivera, the career leader in saves, and the best pitcher in playoff history.

Catcher

The starter for Philadelphia is Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz drove in 43 RBI’s in 2009, and has proven himself as a consistent hitter by batting .310 in the playoffs. However, the Yankees have the edge with the 14-year veteran Jorge Posada. The five-time all-star is one of the best offensive catchers in the game, and has 22 homers to his name in 2009.

First base

First base features two offensive threats. Ryan Howard for the Phillies has hit 45 home runs, 141 RBI’s and has a .279 batting average. Mark Teixeira, the Yankee switch hitter had a productive regular season with a .292 average, but slowed down during the playoffs. Teixeira may be a much better fielder, however, Howard has been on fire this postseason hitting multiple home runs, so the Phillies have the advantage.

Second base

Second base goes to the Phillies powerhouse hitter Chase Utley. Utley had 31 home runs and almost 100 RBIs during the regular season and rarely makes mistakes on defense. Robinson Cano is also a good hitter, hitting .320 during the regular season. Cano has a great arm for a second basemen, however he is not as consistent as the veteran Utley.

Shortstop

The advantage at shortstop goes to New York’s Derek Jeter, the captain for the Yankees who hits for power and average. He hit .334 this year and had an on base percentage of .406. But the Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is also one of the leagues best shortstops. Rollins has speed and patience at the plate, but is not as clutch as Jeter in October.

Third base

The third base position gives a clear-cut advantage to the Bronx Bombers. The offensive threat of Alex Rodriguez has advantaged the Yankees this postseason. A-Rod used to be criticized for his postseason production, but this year, he has hit clutch home runs in late innings.

Pedro Feliz only hit a mediocre .266, and is nowhere near the 30 homeruns and .286 average that A-Rod batted in 2009.

Outfield

The outfield for the Phillies is made up of Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth. Ibanez had 34 home runs during the regular season, Victorino hit for a .292 average and Werth hit 36 home runs. These outfielder’s bats will be hard to keep quiet, and in addition, keeping Victorino’s speed off the base paths will be crucial for the Yankees.

The Yankees start Melky Cabrera, Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher. All three are good defensively and Damon is a consistent hitter who had 24 homers and hit .282 in 2009. With Swisher struggling at the plate, the advantage is awarded to the Phillies.

My prediction

The Yankees will win in seven. There bats are too strong, and their bullpen is more consistent than the Phillies.

Sorry, Philadelphia, their will be no repeat celebration this year. The parade will take place in Brooklyn.