Meanwhile, San Francisco might be the one team with the starting pitching depth to match the Phillies’ trio of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels in the National League Championship Series. Giants pitchers Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez have a formidable reputation of their own. But can San Francisco’s offense give them enough support?

“The three pitchers in Philadelphia are all legitimate No. 1s, especially when you get to the playoffs,” TBS analyst and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken said. “The opposing team might think about starting their runners a little bit, maybe play a little hit-and-run or put the ball on the ground to advance the runner. But guys like that are going to be a big challenge.”

The Giants actually have more pitching depth with Game 4 starter Madison Bumgarner sporting a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts during his rookie season. He’ll make just one appearance in the NLCS. But as lefties, he and Sanchez will have a huge say in this series. Phillies sluggers Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez have diminished power numbers against left-handers.

Texas dominated the Yankees in Arlington this season, so New York might want to end this series early considering Lee is scheduled to pitch a potential Game 7 there. Ace left-hander and 21-game winner CC Sabathia gets the ball for New York in Game 1 at Rangers Ballpark. And while the Yankees lost twice to Lee during the World Series last season, the Texas lefty isn’t untouchable. New York scored five runs off him in Game 5 last fall — helped in part by an uncharacteristic three walks. They also scored four runs against Lee on Aug. 11.

“[Lee] has the ability to mix and match his stuff and get nasty when he has to,” TBS analyst John Smoltz said. “Would he be considered a power pitcher? No. But he has the ability to throw a hard slider, curveball, change-up and make nasty pitches with his fastball in and out. He’s been in the right place at the right time.”

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