HTML: Scouting the Outfielders Left Field: Johnny Damon vs. Raul Ibanez Raul Ibanez Year AB R H HR RBI BB K AVG 2009 Season 500 93 136 34 93 56 119 .272 Has good power and a knack for driving in runners in scoring position. Doesn’t strike out as much as you might expect from a slugger of his caliber. His power is a lot less prevalent against southpaws. Defensively, he has trouble adjusting to fly balls and isn’t quick enough to overcome mistakes. He hit very poorly against the Dodgers batting .211 with one home run and four RBI in 18 at bats. He’s a home run threat even at the age of 37 every time he steps up to the plate. Johnny Damon or just Johnny “Ta Ta” Year AB R H HR RBI BB K AVG 2009 Season 550 107 155 24 82 71 98 .282 Johnny Ta Ta Damon possesses a quick bat and is tough to strike out in key situations. He has a below average arm and injuries to his legs have forced him to move from center field to left field. He had a good ALCS while batting .300 and driving in five runs. He had nine hits and 16 total bases. Advantage: Even. Both are older players but can bring a key hit to their team in big game situations. Right-field: Nick Swisher vs. Jayson Werth Jayson Werth Year AB R H HR RBI BB K AVG 2009 Season 571 98 153 36 99 91 156 .268 Now, for what it’s werth…. Jayson is a great athlete with a big frame. Has very good power, excellent patience at the plate, and good speed. Knows how to take a walk. Plays all out and can carry his team when he gets on a roll. His all-out style can lead to injuries. He’s streaky, and will pile up strikeouts when he’s not in his zone. He did not hit for a high average in the NLCS but hit when it count by going yard three times with six RBI and 13 total bases in 18 at bats. Nick Swisher Year AB R H HR RBI BB K AVG 2009 Season 498 84 124 29 82 97 126 .249 A switch-hitter with surprising power from both sides. Supremely patient at the dish. A clutch hitter and a team leader who hustles all the time. Versatile with with the glove. For a patient hitter he doesn’t make great contact, leading to too many Ks. Can seem a little reckless at times in the field and on the bases. Had a very poor ALCS batting only .150 with no home runs, no RBI and two runs scored. Advantage: Phillies. Werth is a much superior player. Center field: Melky Cabrera vs. Shane Victorino Shane Victorino Year AB R H HR RBI BB K AVG 2009 Season 620 102 181 10 62 60 71 .292 A consistent, hustling, high-energy player. Bats for a high average with some pop while taking a solid number of walks without striking out much. Piles up steals, doubles, and runs. A Gold Glover in center field. He hit .368 with two home runs and six RBI with an astounding 16 total bases in the NLCS in 19 at bats. Melky Cabrera Year AB R H HR RBI BB K AVG 2009 Season 485 66 133 13 68 43 59 .274 A consistent switch-hitter from both sides of the plate, he lines the ball into the gaps with regularity. Is an outstanding defensive center-fielder. Has only average power and speed. Needs to become a little more assertive at the plate in order to become a more productive hitter. He had a great ALCS batting .391 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 23 at bats. Tied for the team lead in hits for the series with nine. Advantage: Even. Both guys have been playing well and their regular season stats are almost similar. First one off the bench: Brett Gardner vs. Ben Francisco Advantage: Yankees. Brett Gardner can steal a base and change the game after he subs for a batter who just singled. Advantage overall: Phillies. Jayson Werth is the deciding factor. Nick Swisher looks lost at the plate and shouldn’t be starting. Got most of my information from SB Nation, mlb.com and fox sports.