Three players from the Reds and Phillies who could make the difference in Game 1 today:

Cincinnati Reds

Jay Bruce: NL Player of the Week found power stroke to end season with 25 home runs. Batted .388 with 12 HRs in last 22 games.

Drew Stubbs: Speedy center fielder hit .350 in last 24 games. Only ninth Red to hit 20 home runs and steal 30 bases in a season (22 HR, 30 SB).

Edinson Volquez: Reds’ starter was pitching for Dragons one month ago today. Has allowed one run in 12 1/3 innings vs. Phillies.

Philadelphia Phillies

Roy Halladay: Big right-hander went 21-10 with 2.44 ERA. Reds must swing; he struck out 219 and walked 30 in 250 2/3 innings.

Jimmy Rollins: A catalyst when healthy, the veteran shortstop is 1-for-7 all-time vs. Game 1 Reds starter Volquez. Still battling an iffy hamstring.

Ryan Howard: Left-handed slugger set franchise record with fifth straight 30-homer, 100-RBI season, finishing with 31 and 108 despite missing 19 games.