Steve Phillips

  (1:08 PM)

We're winding down here now. Just a couple of races left. What's on everybody's mind?

Andy (Tampa)

Have the Cardinals become the odds on favorite in the NL? In your opinion who would give them the most problems in a post season series?

Steve Phillips

  (1:10 PM)

The Cardinals right now do seem to be the favorite. They have solid starting pitching, a dynamic offense, and a consistent bullpen. I think that the Phillies are still a very good team, with Hamels and Cliff Lee at the front of the rotation and an offense that's tough to keep down. They now have four hitters with thirty or more home runs. The Dodgers could be tough as well, because of their bullpen and the balance it offers Torre in pitching to the Cardinals' lineup. We have a chance for some unbelievable first round matchups in both leagues this year.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Steve, you've said you like the Giants for the wild card because of their pitching. But to an honest Giants fan, they don't have NEARLY enough hitting, no matter how outstanding the pitching is!

Steve Phillips

  (1:12 PM)

You're right that unless the Giants shut somebody out, their chances of winning at times is remote. I've always opted for the team with the best starting pitching, but you have to have enough offense to win the game. Most of the time, it doesn't seem like the Giants have enough. If they are getting into the playoffs, it'll be because they'll win a lot of 3-2 games. They'll probably have to sweep the Rockies next week. They have much more balance and offense than the Giants do.

Christian (Washington, DC)

What is your World Series prediction?

Steve Phillips

  (1:13 PM)

I think I'm looking at the Yankees and Phillies in the World Series. New York has to be the AL favorite, although a first-round matchup between Verlander and Jackson could be scary. I just think the Phillies are gonna get hot at the right time in October. The big question for them is who will be the closer, as Lidge has fallen on hard times. My sense is that Ryan Madsen will assume closer duties in October.

Rob (Bakersfield)

Is Boche an idiot for not playing Buster? I say yes. Last night would have been perfect - Bumgardner making his debut. I believe Posey has caught him once or twice.

Steve Phillips

  (1:15 PM)

I don't think a catcher making his debut in a pennant race makes a lot of sense. Experience is critical, and the knowledge of opposing hitters is an important aspect of game-calling. Posey just doesn't have that sort of experience just yet. Every indication is that he is the catcher of the future, with a very bright future in San Francisco. It just isn't the right time to break him in.

Jason (Nevada)

Can you think of a harder throwing trio to fill the 7th, 8th and 9th than Wagner, Bard and Papelbon?

Steve Phillips

  (1:18 PM)

Those are three very special arms for sure, and one of the reasons I think the Red Sox could be a very tough team in the playoffs. Power stuff tends to prevail in October.

Steve Phillips

  (1:20 PM)

They will allow Terry Francona to shorten the game behind Beckett and Lester. The Red Sox are a very scary team to match up with. They just had better hope the Rangers don't get hot and pass them over the next few weeks.

joey (tx)

I want to know a baseball analysts superbowl picks? I know you can do better than the football guys picks Ive been reading!

Steve Phillips

  (1:22 PM)

I believe we will be looking at a Steelers-Giants matchup. I like the Giants' running game, and I think they'll be solid defensively, while the Steelers are tenacious defensively and will draw upon their postseason experience.

David (Dallas, TX)

If you were GM of Texas Rangers, what would you with Neftali Feliz for the upcoming years? Would you make him a starter or superb reliever with a possibility of a closer?

Steve Phillips

  (1:23 PM)

I would probably move him into the starting rotation. He has the kind of delivery that can sustain itself and endure the rigors of a long season. He has the kind of stuff to become the ace of a staff. I would like him to impact as many innings as possible as a starter. It's harder to find a No. 1 starter than a prospective closer.

Donald (Dover)

Who is the best pitcher in the American League? Greinke? Verlander? Sabathia or Beckett or maybe Lester? Thoughts?

Steve Phillips

  (1:24 PM)

If I had one game to win, I would put Roy Halladay on the mound, but if I had to pick a pitcher whose future will be the best, I'm taking Justin Verlander over anyone else. He has the stuff and competitiveness to be good for a long time.

Chris (West Lafayette, IN)

Hey Steve, how do you think the Matt Holliday situation will turn out after this season? Do you think he'll take one of the big offers he'll receive in free agency or do you think he'll stay in St. Louis, possibly with a home town discount?

Steve Phillips

  (1:26 PM)

I think it's gonna come down to the Red Sox and Cardinals for Holliday's services this season, and I believe the Red Sox will win. I think Holliday loves St. Louis, but he hasn't been there long enough to give the hometown discount. The Cardinals will have to pay Pujols a couple years from now, and that will be their priority. Holliday will miss St. Louis, but will love the Green Monster.

Jesse (S.P (CA))

How far do you see the Angels going this year? It looks like their pitching is doing much better.

Steve Phillips

  (1:28 PM)

The Angels are an interesting team that plays the right way. Aside from 2002, they just can't seem to get over the hump in the playoffs. If things ended today, they would play the Red Sox in the first round. That matchup has not favored the Angels, and I'm not convinced their bullpen can shut down the Sox, Yankees, or Tigers.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Chris Carpenter the hands down N.L. Cy Young winner in your opinion?

Steve Phillips

  (1:29 PM)

I would pick him right now, but I think a lot of voters look at the innings pitched differential between Carpenter and Lincecum, and give Lincecum an edge. Lincecum has been absolutely dominating this year and his strikeout numbers are phenomenal. I believe there's never been a Cy Young winner as a starter, though, with less than 16 wins in a season. This could be the year in both the AL and NL where that changes.

Dan (CT)

Does that mean no Jason Bay in Boston next season?

Steve Phillips

  (1:30 PM)

Right. I think negotiations have broken off between Bay and the Red Sox, and my sense is that his streakiness has caused the Sox to pull back and reconsider where to invest their money going forward. Holliday interested the Red Sox last year and at the deadline this season, but he'll have a bullseye on his back with a blue and red "B" come November.

RG (Arlington)

Does Roy Halladay get traded this winter and if so, where?

Steve Phillips

  (1:32 PM)

If the trade deadline was any indication about what teams are willing to give up, we have to assume he won't get traded, because nobody has ended up where I thought they would. It seems odd to me that teams in the pennant race who could have had Halladay for this year and next opted not to give up their prospects. You'd think they'd give up less for one year. I expect him to stay in Toronto.

Steve Phillips

  (1:32 PM)

Have a good weekend everyone. We'll see you next week!