Looking at current World Series odds, it’s almost time to cross the Dodgers and Angels off the list. We’ve seen crazy comebacks before – the 2004 Red Sox are the quintessential example – but the Dodgers and Angels both seem…broken mentally, don’t they? Chances are, we’ll see the Phillies and Yankees clash next week. Why not make a preliminary pick? Click Here to pick your World Series champion, and bolster your bank account in the process.

Offensively, neither team would have an edge, would it? They rank first and second in the majors in homers. There’s hardly an easy out in either lineup. Damon and Jeter, meet Rollins and Victorino. A-Rod and Teixeira, meet Utley and Howard. Matsui and Cano, meet Ibanez and Werth. The List goes on.

You could argue the very bottom of the order is stronger for the Yanks – Posada and Swisher are tougher outs than Feliz and Ruiz – but Philly’s baserunning advantage makes it all roughly even.

Pitching wise, the Yanks’ three-man rotation is working wonders so far. If C.C. Sabathia has the energy to start Games 1, 4 and 7 of the World Series, the Yanks will be formidable. Overall, though, the Phillies have the edge. They can match the Yankees’ aces, Sabathia and Burnett, with Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee. They can also throw Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, Pedro Martinez and Jamie Moyer out there, whether it’s for a start or for crucial long relief in an extended game (and we’ve seen plenty of those in these playoffs).

The bullpen Northbet.com betting edge clearly goes to the Yanks. They have Mariano Rivera and, believe it or not, Brad Lidge is ofer on save tries against the Yankees in his career (0/3).

In the end, I see the Phillies edging the Yankees in a classic series that probably goes seven games. Philly’s youth and depth, especially in the starting rotation, will shine through.