This is quite the little game we got going on here.  I hope Utley gets up where it matters.

Steves Stoners:

I hope Utley gets up where it matters.

Probably not anymore... but maybe Rivera will prove he is mortal in the playoffs.

After despising the Phillies so much last year, i am finding myself having a hard time rooting for them in the World Series this year.  Normally, I would probably not root for the Yankees.  But I have found myself rooting for them, and in particular, for CC so far.

 On the bright side for a competitive series, Cliff Lee (on regular rest) gives the Phillies a great chance against AJ Burnett (on short rest)

Vaseline Victorious

Yanks will win, but Utley kicked major ass.

 I heard an interesting discussion this morning: Even if PHL loses the Series, is Utley the MVP?

 To this point, he seems to be the most impressive player. But if NY closes the deal, I suppose Rivera might be the choice.

Riviera would probably be the sentimental choice.

Personally, I'd go with Damon.

 Utley if Phillies win, Rivera if Yankees win (though Matsui would have a good shot if he had more AB)

 I think if the Yankees win but Utley hits another (and sets the all time record) then he should get it.  It is going to be interesting to see how it plays out.

BenderTheOffender:

 Utley if Phillies win, Rivera if Yankees win (though Matsui would have a good shot if he had more AB)

I wouldn't be surprised if Rivera won it, but I think he would be a weak choice considering that the Yankees have led by 2 or 3 runs every time he has entered a game so far. It would be a classic example of overvaluing a closer. But, if he finishes all 4 Yankee wins, he will be a popular choice, especially if the last game is close.

Because there has been no obvious candidate for the Yankees so far, I wouldn't be surprised if the hero of the clinching game gets it if he has done much else in the series. For example, if Pettite has an excellent start, and gets his second win, he might be considered.

Personally, unless someone from the Yankees emerges in the last game or two, I would favor Utley because he has sparked the Phillies two wins and kept them alive.

Hopefully, the Phillies will remove all question by winning the next two games.

wisblue:

BenderTheOffender:

 Utley if Phillies win, Rivera if Yankees win (though Matsui would have a good shot if he had more AB)

I wouldn't be surprised if Rivera won it, but I think he would be a weak choice considering that the Yankees have led by 2 or 3 runs every time he has entered a game so far. It would be a classic example of overvaluing a closer. But, if he finishes all 4 Yankee wins, he will be a popular choice, especially if the last game is close.

Because there has been no obvious candidate for the Yankees so far, I wouldn't be surprised if the hero of the clinching game gets it if he has done much else in the series. For example, if Pettite has an excellent start, and gets his second win, he might be considered.

Personally, unless someone from the Yankees emerges in the last game or two, I would favor Utley because he has sparked the Phillies two wins and kept them alive.

Hopefully, the Phillies will remove all question by winning the next two games.

+1 Wisblue.  I couldn't agree with you more on each point you make.

Utley should win barring a 3 home run game from a (Jeter, ARod, Damon) or essentially a complete game shutout/no-no by CC or Pettite.

I think neither of us agree that Rivera should win but if he closes out another game he will probably get the nod.  Clearly if the Phillies win, Utley will win but it will be curious if Cliff Lee comes in for a relief appearance in game 7 for a few innings (scoreless and picks up the win), how much attention he will get.

Personally I'm hoping Utley has another 2 home run game and locks in the MVP regardless of the outcome of the series.

Steves Stoners:

but it will be curious if Cliff Lee comes in for a relief appearance in game 7 for a few innings (scoreless and picks up the win), how much attention he will get.

I completely forgot Manuel left Lee in for that long in the 8th and let up all those runs.  Omit that Cliff Lee idea.

 Matsui making his case for MVP.

Jebus. Go, go Godzilla.