Game 1 Pick:

Phillies -140:

Colorado has excellent shot at winning this series, and Game 1 will be a pretty interesting pitching matchup with Cole Hamels vs. Jeff Francis.

Vs. Lefties, Philadelphis is hitting only .212 in their last 10, and Colorado is only at .233, and the shadows will be out during the first 3 or 4 innings - Jimmy Rollins said he couldn't see the ball last Saturday during his first few at bats.

Jeff Francis (8-1 with a 2.48 ERA in afternoon starts) vs Philadelphia: 8 1/3 innings, 20 hits, 14 runs, 5 walks, .465 ave, 15.12 ERA. The Phillies have hit .470 off Francis this season.

There are a lot of reasons to play Colorado today/in the series - they are the hottest team in the league, but my play will be based off the Phillies hopefully getting to Francis, and Hamels settling in.

My Game 1 Prediction: Phillies 5, Rockies 3

I haven't fully looked at it yet but I am anticipating taking the Phillies fairly heavily in the opening game...at least 2 units and maybe more.