Philadelphia Story.

First things first, the Phillies can hit. With the exception of Roy Halladay (and, oddly, Jose Contreras), their pitching, however, leaves something to be desired.

Lefty Cole Hamels pitches for the Phillies tonight. A few years ago, Hamels was the toast of the baseball town but he didn't have nearly the success last year and he got off to a bad start this year. He throws a low-nineties fastball, a curve ball, a change up, and he's also added a cutter this season. He gets lots of strikeouts but he gives up too many hits and walks have been an issue this season. He's only pitched once against Boston, on June 16, 2008. Pedroia hit a double, a single, and a home run off of him. JD also hit a home run.

Kyle Kendrick pitches on Saturday for Philadelphia. Kendrick throws a low-nineties fast ball, a cutter, and a change up. He doesn't get nearly as many strike outs as Hamels but, otherwise, they've been very similar pitchers this season. On June 18, 2008 Kendrick lasted only three innings, giving up six runs. He gave up a single to Ellsbury, a single to Pedroia, a double and a home run to JD, and a home run to Mike Lowell. On June 12 of last year, Kendrick pitched two innings of relief in a twelve inning game; he walked Varitek, and gave up singles to Mike Lowell, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

And then there's Roy Halladay. One can always hope that pitching for the Phillies to the National League has softened him up a little bit. Plus, he's thrown a lot of pitches. And David Ortiz has hit him well.