They were the most watched games in recent baseball history.

The world champion, Philadelphia Phillies and the upstart, New York Yankees battled six times. They competed like warriors for the coveted Commissioner's Trophy signifying Major League Baseball's "world" champion.

Those six games had everything. They had the cast of characters, the storylines and the drama. And, we were about to watch with eyes wide open!

THE YANKEES SIDE

Were the Yankees' new high-priced, free agents going to help bring New York a title?

Could Mark Teixeria guarantee a return on George Steinbrenner's 8-year/ $180 million investment? Could C.C. Sabathia be worth the 7-year/ $161.5 million as being the #1 starter? Would A.J. Burnett exceed expectations and be that solid #2 for his 4-year/$82.5 million?

Could A-Rod finally overcome his former "A-Fraud" (as described in Joe Torre's book) persona to be a playoff contributor?

Could the "four-core" of Andy Petitte, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter capable of winning a fifth, World Series title?

THE PHILLY SIDE

Would the Phillies be ready to repeat as champions just like Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s?

Would the acquisition of pitching ace, Cliff Lee trump that of the Yankees's #1 starter in C.C. Sabathia?

Could Philadelphia's left-handed power of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez stand up the Yankees's stable of left-handed hurlers?

Would manager, Charlie Manuel outdo Joe Torre's successor in Joe Girardi?

Would Brad Lidge be ready to battle with Mariano Rivera in their "closer" matchups?

After six games, the storyline played out.

Manager, Joe Girardi used Sabathia, Andy Petitte and Damaso Marte to befuddle Philadelphia's left-handed heavy lineup. Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Howard, Utley and Ibanez struck out numerous times. Howard broke Willie Wilson's record of 12 strikeouts with fanning13 times. Utley did hit five homeruns in the series. But, four of those shots were solo.

Philly's muscle didn't measure up to the Yankees's saavy. Jeter and Damon took their usual lengthy, grinding at bats. Both hitters racked a .300+ clip during the World Series. World Series MVP (Most Valuable Player), Hideki Matsui provided the power by bashing three homeruns and eight runs batted in. He also batted .600 going 9-15 at the plate.

Cliff Lee won the only two games Philly captured. Lidge gave up three runs in a pivotal, Game Five. He allowed Johnny Damon to reach base after an impressive, nine-pitch at bat. Damon then stole second and third base on one play! Alex Rodriguez bashed a run scoring double to drive in Damon to start a rally. That rally effectively ended Philly's hopes of repeating as world champs.

However, the series was filled with missed opportunities for the two-time, National League champs. In Game Two, Pedro Martinez gave up only two runs in six innings, but lost! A.J. Burnett allowed one run and struck nine in seven innings for a clutch win. In Game Three, Cole Hamels allowed five runs in under four innings in a loss at Citizen's Bank park. That loss followed a surprisingly, easy win by Lee in which he struck out 10 Yankees and walked none. He even yawned after catching a weak pop-up on the pitcher's mound.

After winning, Game Six, the Yankees put Lee and his team to sleep.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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