A Frontrunner's Guide to the Postseason

Who you like, why you like them, and other info so you can hang with your know-it-all sports fan friends.

by E. James Beale

So now you want to talk about the Phillies? Did you know they've been good all year? Won the division and everything. But that didn't matter to you — you only care about the local teams when the stakes are high and the game seems like a party. You're a frontrunner, just like Jimmy Rollins said. But hey, this is your time. Problem is, you don't know who you're cheering for, or why.

That's OK — we're here to help. For the fan who doesn't know the difference between Greg Dobbs and Lou Dobbs, can't distinguish between a frozen rope and a suicide squeeze, and wants to know "which one is Jimmy Chase?" we're bringing you CP's first A Frontrunner's Guide to the Postseason.

Part One: Who is this team I love so much?

The Phillies ended the regular season 92-70, good for their second straight playoff berth. The team's biggest star is could-be MVP Ryan Howard, but the team is built around arguably the best middle infield in the history of baseball: shortstop Jimmy Rollins and second baseman Chase Utley.

The ship is helmed by Charlie "Cholly" Manuel, a folk hero in the humble, country manager mold who, despite admitting that "there are changes in baseball nowadays that [he doesn't] understand," has been a steady hand in a town where there aren't many.

Part Two: Who is that guy with the funny facial hair?

Bad news kiddo, that's all of them. But here are two facts about the biggest names.

Ryan Howard is the strongest man in baseball. He's the Phillies' first baseman and led the league in home runs, RBIs ... and strikeouts.

B.J. Novak's character in The Office was named after this Ryan Howard, who starred for Scranton's minor league team when the show was scripted.

Chase Utley

Chase Utley is the best second baseman in the majors. He's famous for his hustle, clutch hitting and boring post-game interviews.

Utley, already considered quite the dreamboat, literally spends his free time saving endangered puppies: Chase and his wife, Jen, are activists for the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Jimmy Rollins

Jimmy Rollins is the reigning National League MVP. He had a down year in 2008, but remains the Phillies' spark plug.

Jimmy infamously called Philadelphia fans "frontrunners" late in the season — it did not go over well with the diehards.

Cole Hamels

At 24 years old, Cole Hamels is the youngest member of the team and arguably the most important. He's the best pitcher on the team. The Phillies need to win when he pitches.

Cole is married to Playboy model and Survivor alum Heidi Strobel

Part Three: How did we get here again?

The Phillies made the playoffs by winning the division in the last week of the season for the second year in a row, due in no small part to another Mets collapse. If you're watching with someone from New York, bring this up.

Once in the playoffs, the Phils handled the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round.

Part Four: Wait, who are they playing?

The Phillies are facing the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team comprised of up-and-coming prospects, solid pitching and Manny Ramirez, the career leader in postseaon homers — and someone who once talked on his cell phone during a game.

Part Five: I'm stuck at a sports party. What do I say?

To the uninformed fan: Thanks to 45-year-old Jamie Moyer, the Phillies are the oldest team in the Major Leagues. Even if they do all dress like teenagers off the field.

To the casual fan: Ryan Howard may get the national award, but did you know Philadelphia-area baseball writers voted closer Brad Lidge the team MVP?

To the superfan: Say what you want about the offense, the Phils will win or lose on the strength of their patchwork pitching staff.

Part Six: So what happens now?

The Phillies and the Dodgers are evenly matched, and as Jimmy Rollins admitted, an easy win — "wouldn't be the Philly way," so wear all the red you got, cheer when the real fans cheer, and don't be too surprised if the best-of-seven series goes all seven.

Beale blogs at citypaper.net/sports.