For the first time in 15 years, the Philadelphia Phillies are in the World Series, and if you don’t believe it, watch this:

http://freevideocoding.com/flvplayer.swf?file=http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/10/15/mlbtv_philan_1428844_800K.flv&autoStart=false

When Carlos Ruiz squeezed that final out in Dodger Stadium last night, the Phils had beaten the Dodgers, 5-1, in Game 5, and locked up the National League pennant for the first time since 1993, when they lost a true Fall Classic to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Whoever the Phillies end up playing will have a lot to deal with: Jimmy Rollins showed how dangerous he can be last night, setting the tone for Game 5 with a leadoff homer.

http://freevideocoding.com/flvplayer.swf?file=http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/10/15/mlbtv_philan_1428112_800K.flv&autoStart=false

And with NL Championship Series MVP Cole Hamels set to start Game 1 of the World Series, the American League team will have its hands full right away, just like the Dodgers did Wednesday night.

http://freevideocoding.com/flvplayer.swf?file=http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/10/15/mlbtv_philan_1428832_800K.flv&autoStart=false

Then there’s the Phillies offense, with table-setters Rollins and Shane Victorino and the heart of the powerful order, with Chase Utley, Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard. Oh, and then there’s Brad Lidge, the closer who hasn’t blown a save all year.

In other words, a lot to think about for the AL manager once he gets his team to where the Phillies are right now.

How do you think the Phillies stack up against the Rays or Red Sox? And will the Rays wrap it up tonight in Boston?

Tell me.

O.G.