Rollins predicts Phillies win World Series in five

“We would love to win it in Philadelphia,” Rollins told reporters at Tuesday's workout on the eve of the opener of the best-of-seven series that begins with two games in New York before shifting to the National League park for three games.

“So that means five games. Our job is to come here and make sure we get the split. We have a chance to do that tomorrow. When we get home we like our chances, we play well in our ballpark. That's the way I feel.”

New York starter CC Sabathia said Rollins was entitled to feel confident — until the Yankees prove otherwise.

“Jimmy is a confident guy,” said Sabathia. “They're the champs, so we have to go take it from them. What can I say? They won it last year, and it's up to us to go prove that we're better than them. It's just going to be a fun series.”

The Phillies, who beat the Tampa Bay Rays last year in five games, were 93-69 this season. The Yankees were a major league-best 103-59.

Old Buddy

Sabathia hopes to begin the fun by outdueling his old Cleveland Indians buddy Cliff Lee in Wednesday's Game One.

The two left-handers, who both began their careers in Cleveland, also faced each other six months ago in the first regular season game ever at the new US$1.5 billion Yankee Stadium.

Lee got the win in a 10-2 victory by the Indians, although Sabathia exited after allowing just one run. Lee had dinner at Sabathia's home the next night.

“We're close. We always have been,” Sabathia said, adding that the two kept up with each other by texting.

Sabathia, 29, won the American League Cy Young award in 2007 after posting a 19-7 mark with the Indians. Lee, 31, won it the next year after an amazing 22-3 campaign.

Lee was dealt in midseason to the Phils, while Sabathia signed with New York in the off-season as a free agent.

“It's just weird because a couple of years ago we were talking about maybe pitching in a World Series together,” the 6-foot-7 (2.01 m) Sabathia said. “Now we're in different clubhouses. It's just a little weird, but it'll be fun.”

Going against the powerful Phillies lineup might be more of a challenge than a good time.

“Their lineup is great. It's similar to ours,” said Sabathia, coming off a 19-8 season and two wins in the American League Championship Series that brought him MVP honors.

“They have a great balance of power and speed, Rollins and (Shane) Victorino at the top and you get into (Chase) Utley and (Ryan) Howard and (Jayson) Werth. They're going to be tough tomorrow.”

Shortstop Rollins said he was not underrating the Yankees, who have been installed by oddsmakers as the favorites.

“In '08 we learned a heck of a lot, going step by step and ultimately winning the World Series,” Rollins said.

“They're the Yankees. When they are in the World Series they are expected to win. But it's the guys in the uniforms that write the story.”

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