Article:Phillies vs Mets At A Glance: Position Players

This is a great time of year for prognostications, so let’s compare the everyday position players for the Phillies and Mets. I hope this rivalry builds and stays with us for a long time. ''Note: This does not take into account the rash of injuries suffered by those poor Mets. This assumes both teams are at full strength.'' Catcher Carlos Ruiz: Solid defense, No. 8 hitter. Brian Schneider: Solid defense, No. 8 hitter. Edge: Pick ‘em (yawn)

First Base Ryan Howard: 105 HR in his first two full seasons. Carlos Delgado: Once a superstar, now showing his age. Edge: Phillies

Second Base Chase Utley: Best in the game, hands down. Luis Castillo: Good batting average, speed and defense. Edge: Phillies

Third Base Pedro Feliz: Great defense, good pop. David Wright: Best 3B in the game this side of A-Rod. Edge: Mets

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins: Backed up his talk with an MVP season. Jose Reyes: Stopped running out ground balls when things got tough. Grow up. Edge: Phillies

Left Field Pat Burrell: Quietly hit 30 HR with 97 RBI, now in a contract year. Moises Alou: Brittle and older than dirt but can still rake. Edge: Phillies

Centerfield Shane Victorino: Great defense and stolen base threat. Carlos Beltran: Five-tool stud. Edge: Mets

Right Field: Geoff Jenkins/Jayson Werth: 40 combined HR is realistic. Ryan Church: Who? Edge: Phillies

Yes, I’m a homer, but that’s a legit 5-2-1 advantage for the Phillies. Disagree? Let me hear it! Next up: Starting Pitchers.