What happens when two unstoppable forces collide? We're about to find out.
Both the Phillies and Yankees steamrolled their way into the World Series and tore the cover off the rawhide in the process. Each team is 7-2 in the postseason, with Philly scoring 55 runs and New York putting up 48.
We break down what should be a high-scoring Fall Classic.
Philadelphia Phillies at New York Yankees
Pitching
Stud lefties headline each team's starting rotation. New York's CC Sabathia entered the playoffs with a career 2-3 record and a 7.92 earned run average, but he's gone 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA in three starts this year. Philly's Cliff Lee has shaken off a late-season slump to go 2-0 with a 0.74 ERA in three postseason appearances.
New York follows up Sabathia with hard-throwing A.J. Burnett and experienced southpaw Andy Pettitte. The Yankees rotation thins quickly after that. Joba Chamberlain and Chad Gaudin are possible candidates if manager Joe Girardi decides to use a fourth starter.
After Lee, the Phillies have Cole Hamels, Pedro Martinez and Joe Blanton. Hamels was the NLCS and World Series MVP last year, but he has struggled this year and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in the playoffs.
New York's bullpen has been excellent throughout the playoffs, leading all teams in ERA. The Phillies relievers - seen as the team's weakness entering the postseason - have also stepped up their game, particularly much-maligned closer Brad Lidge.
Edge: Yankees
Hitting
Both teams have relied heavily on the home run all year, and that hasn't changed in the playoffs. New York clubbed a franchise-record 244 bombs to lead the Majors during the regular season, while the Phillies tied the Rangers for the second-most jacks (224). Each team cranked 14 long balls in the first two rounds.
The teams' respective sluggers are white hot right now. New York's Alex Rodriguez is making fans forget his past playoff failures, batting .438 with five homers and 12 RBIs. Philly's Ryan Howard has dominated as well, pounding out seven extra-base hits and driving in 14 runs in nine games.
A-Rod's production has helped the Yankees overcome subpar postseasons from Mark Teixeira (.205, one HR), Robinson Cano and Johnny Damon.
On top of Howard's contributions, the Phillies have received plenty of power from Jayson Werth (five homers, 10 RBIs). Shane Victorino (.346 average) and Carlos Ruiz (.361) have also chipped in, and underachieving Jimmy Rollins came up big with a two-out double to give the Phils a key walkoff win over the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Edge: Yankees
Intangibles
New York, owner of the best home record in baseball this season, has home-field advantage in the series. The Phillies don't mind playing on the road, however, posting the most road victories in the Majors this year.
Both clubs have shown an ability to overcome ninth-inning deficits. Joe Nathan and Brian Fuentes blew saves against New York in the past two rounds, while Philadelphia generated comebacks against Huston Street and Jonathan Broxton.
The Phillies are the defending World Series champions, playing loose and with loads of confidence. The Yankees are also full of confidence, but are burdened by the fact they haven't won the World Series since 2000 despite leading the Majors in payroll year after year.
Philly took two of three interleague games at Yankee Stadium in May.
Edge: Phillies
Series pick: Yankees in six games