Mile 26

The last mile of the marathon known as an MLB season is upon us. From here on out it's going to be a sprint. No more resting the bullpen for tomorrow. No more giving guys the day off. It's time to burn up whatever is left in the tank, and see how far it takes you. The road to the World series starts today.

Citizens Bank Park will be the site of the first battle for NL supremacy, as the Philadelphia Phillies play host to the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis (17-9 4.22 ERA) will be taking the mound for the Rockies. Cole Hamels (15-5 3.39 ERA) will be towing the rubber for the Phillies. Don't expect a pitchers duel, with these lineups, at this hitter-friendly park.

The Rockies lineup consists of players with decent power and quick feet. They have 3 players with well over 100 RBI's. (Holliday, Atkins, and Hawpe) Look for them to try to cause confusion on the bases with Matsui and Tavaras. The goal for the Rockies today is to try to find a way to send Jimmy Rollins home empty handed.

The Phillies have the most explosive lineup in the NL. They lead the NL in homeruns (213) and runs scored (892). They were second in stolen bases (138). Jimmy Rollins is a shoe in for the NL MVP this year with 38 doubles, 30 homeruns, 41 stolen bases, and an astounding 20 triples. Ryan howard's 47 homeruns were second to Prince fielder's 50 atop the NL. The key for the Phillies is to keep the bases empty when Matt Holliday is at the plate. Holliday is going to get his hits, just don't let them be RBI's.