When Cliff Lee was traded, the world around Cleveland Indians fans changed dramatically. Now they get to watch Lee and C. C. Sabathia square off in what could be one of the finest World Series in recent memory. Balance. These teams have balance. And their very much alike.

Today the worst fears of Tribe fans will come to fruition. Former Indians Cy Young winner Cliff Lee vs. former Indians Cy Young winner C. C. Sabathia. Both gone from the Indians roster. Both pitching for a World Championship with clubs that used their outstanding pitching skills to help get their respective teams to the biggest, brightest stage in baseball. And don't forget about Charlie Manuel, the Manager of the Phillies. Charlie once managed the Indians. Charlie should still be managing the Indians.

It's hard to tell if fans in Cleveland will be curious to see how their former stars perform or will they take a pass and skip the Series? I hope they watch. I hope they root for both their former impact players. It wasn't their fault. The Series should be outstanding-the best in years. Here are some of my thoughts:

There is really no true favorite. Both of these teams are World Class, 12 Round Heavyweights with chips on their shoulders. Both these teams are capable of blowing our their opponents or being blown out. Much will depend upon the way the wind blows-really. We could see home runs like we've never seen before in both Philly and New York. Everyone digs home runs, not only chicks. If the bombs burst, so will the ratings. If the ratings burst, so will the coffers of MLB. Well, they'll balloon anyway with these two teams in the biggest World Series in years. Think of the money to be made on World Series caps, shirts, jerseys, etc. Just yesterday I saw Derek Jeter 5 times at a Fall League game. Actually, to my surprise, once I got close none of them was Jeter. And the television ratings? Just think of it. The guys in the front office that drool in their sleep now are drooling at breakfast. This is big.

The games? Oh yes-the games. I'll take the pitching, thank you. Pitching usually prevails. Who has the pitching? Both teams. Nothing wrong with C.C, Burnett and Pettitte. And then there's Hughes and Rivera in the pen. Try Lee, Pedro, Hamels and ...I worry about the Phillies pen. But they'll have arms like Happ down there to help. Pitching is probably a draw. In my Playoff previews I wasn't nuts about Hamels. Which one will show up? With all the innings on these arms by this time of year, any pitcher can implode for a game. Taking advantage of the implosion is key. Two very capable and high quality pitching staffs.

The bats? Howard, Utley, and Werth. Sounds like a law firm. The other parts aren't too shabby either. Those are my 3 guys for the Phillies.

Then we have Jeter, Teixeira and ARod. Sounds like a law firm. The other parts aren't too shabby either. Those are my 3 guys for the Yankees.

See my point? Spotting a trend here? They both have enough bullets and enough firepower to wound and ultimately decimate their opponent. This is a balanced series with both clubs having enough pitching, hitting and bench to beat the other.

The managers? I think Charlie is among the best in baseball. He seems so calm and soothing. Until he gets angry. I love to see Charlie take that cap off and have it out with Blue when he thinks he's gotten the short end of things. He's a master at running a clubhouse. Girardi? I think all the hype about who would be catching and the use of his pitching staff is just that--hype. He's a good manager. Probably one of the best.

You get the trend here? You see my point? I'm conflicted.

Do I think these teams are evenly matched? Why yes, yes I do. Do I think this will be a 4 game series? Are you kidding? No, No I don't.
It will be the small story that decides the winner. Something silly or out of the ordinary that could tip this series. It'll be the little things that one team does that the other team doesn't that could tip the series. Or the weather. The wind. Whatever. It's going to be great.

I'll sit here in Phoenix and watch. I'll root for a great series. I'm taking the Yankees in 7. No, make that Phillies in 6. Oh really, I don't know.

See my point?