Phillies Nation writers submit their predictions ahead of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals.
Nathan Ackerman — Staff Writer
Nolan Arenado, likely NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt and this version of Albert Pujols compose a three-headed monster that gives the Cardinals the lineup advantage — even if you think (which I do) that the Phillies’ runs a little deeper. Keeping those three in the ballpark will surely be a challenge — and an imperative — for the Phillies.
But whatever advantage the Cardinals have in the lineup (and on defense), the Phillies override on the pitching side.