Key story lines
Can the Giants generate runs?
The Phillies’ offense has been known to disappear at times — they needed six unearned runs to sweep the Reds — but you have to wonder more about the Giants’ offense. San Francisco finished ninth in the league in runs and led the league grounding into double plays. And no, they’re not good at manufacturing runs, either, having stolen only 55 bases during the regular season compared to 108 for the Phillies.
Who, beyond Game 1 starters, will dominate?
This series could come down to which pitchers without Cy Young Awards on their mantels pitches the best. Roy Oswalt was the best pitcher in the major leagues in September, and Cole Hamels blanking the Reds was no surprise considering his 2.23 second-half ERA. But don’t sell the Giants short. There’s a reason Jonathan Sanchez is getting the call in Game 2. And Madison Bumgarner? The kid can deal. The 21-year-old Bumgarner beat the Braves in the first round. No shocker there — he had a 1.18 ERA in his last six regular-season starts.
Can Tiny Tim deliver?
Tim Lincecum gets the Game 1 start for the Giants against Roy Halladay. Lincecum won the Cy Young in 2008-09, Halladay will likely win it this year. The first team to one might win Saturday’s opener. Lincecum could give the underdogs a huge boost with a Game 1 victory. His twilight-zone August — 0-5, 7.82 — is yesterday’s news. Opponents hit .201 against him in September, and he followed that with a two-hit, 14-strikeout performance against Atlanta in the first round. Halladay would be well-advised to bring his no-hit stuff again with Lincecum matching him.
Player spotlight
Brad Lidge, RHP, Phillies
Lidge pitching in October usually doesn’t lack for drama. The Cherry Creek High School product has endured a bumpy career ride the past two years, no thanks to lingering knee problems, but when he’s good, he’s still really good. The Giants’ Brian Wilson and the Padres’ Heath Bell were the best closers in the National League this season, but Lidge was rock solid in the second half. He was 21-for- 23 in save situations with a 2.10 ERA after the all-star break.
Armstrong predicts: Phillies in six
