How difficult is it to get into the World Series, win, and then repeat?  Looking back to the Yankees Dynasty of the late 90’s, there was some luck conspiring in their favor to accomplish that feat.

In Game 1 of the ’98 World Series, the Padres had a 3-run lead and what seemed to be an inning ending strike 3 call on Tino Martinez in the 7th.  If the call went the Padres way, the outcome of the series could have been quite different.  The Padres were the kind of team people seemed to rally behind because of their play, and because of a few of my favorite players, Tony Gwynn, Kevin Brown and Trevor Hoffman.  That call would have been a big step to securing their confidence, and securing a win.  

But that 2-2 pitch from Mark Langston was called low, and the next pitch was a grand slam into the seats, which changed the series and the course of baseball history.  
This was the first hint of that Yankee karma which dominated the baseball world.  Looking back we can focus on that moment as a launch pad for the Yankees Dynasty of the late ’90’s.

The Phillies seem to have nothing conspiring in their favor over the last few seasons.  It’s hard to look at one moment that changed the luck of the Phillies success because the team has just been awesome.  The sustaining drive pushing the Phillies success has been a result of players’ heroics.  If you look at their run to the World Series, it makes sense.  They took care of the NL East, beat up on the Rockies, beat up on the Dodgers, and now will face the best of the AL.  There is no doubt that the Phillies are the best team in the National League.

The ’09 Yankees made it out of a tough AL, but there were some key moments that brought them to the World Series.  First there was the blown call in Game 2 of the NLDS.  Joe Mauer’s 11th inning drive into the LF corner was called foul, but clearly fair.  This swung the game and the series because instead of scoring a go-ahead run, Teixeira’s sinking liner into the LF seats ended up sinking the Twins.

Then there was A-Rod’s game tying HR off Brian Fuentes in Game 2 of the ALCS.  He got a fat 2-strike pitch and it just sneaked over the RF fence.

Robinson Cano was either in or out of position, depending on how you look at it, but took care of a grounder up the middle to an Angels rally in Game 6.

These breaks helped launch the Yankee Dynasty in the late 90’s, showing how powerful that Yankee Karma can be carrying an already good team.

In saying all this, Cliff Lee has been the best pitcher this postseason.  Sorry A-Rod, but Ryan Howard has been the scariest hitter this post-season.  The Phillies have a dynamic lineup, and wildcard going in Game 2 (I can’t wait for Pedro in the Bronx).  With all the karma being tossed around, the Phillies will win the World Series, a repeat, and the start of a new dynasty. -Matt Vasgersian