Who would have thunk it, the Rays and the Phillies in the World Series. (Well, if you were me, you would have predicted at least one of these teams in here. I clearly underestimated the power that is Cole Hamel’s hair.) Where this match up may lack cache, considering neither team is from say Boston or LA, it certainly won’t lack in competitiveness. Both teams pack strong starting pitching, dependable bullpens, muscular lineups including the likes of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley for the Phils and Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton for the Rays and lots of speed on the basepaths. Add the fact that both ballparks are launching pads for hitters and no lead is safe.
With such robust starting pitching and all-star caliber players, it may come down to which lineup came produce more depth, especially if Jimmy Rollins continues to be lackluster at the plate and Evan Longoria hits a rough patch, but more importantly, which bullpen can remain rock solid. David Price proved to be a game saver for the Rays in game 7 of the ALCS, but he’s still young and inexperienced and will be matching up against Brad Lidge, who’s only failed save came in the All-Star game (which I witnessed - sorry had to throw that in). It would be hard to count either team out, but the almost week layoff for the Phillies could certainly be a disadvantage in some ways, but it also allowed them to set their starting rotation perfectly. The Rays on the other hand should not fall into the trap of basking too long in Sunday’s victory. A game 1 victory has become a near perfect indicator for the eventual World Series winner, so get ready kids because the action is just about to start.
Game 1
With such robust starting pitching and all-star caliber players, it may come down to which lineup came produce more depth, especially if Jimmy Rollins continues to be lackluster at the plate and Evan Longoria hits a rough patch, but more importantly, which bullpen can remain rock solid. David Price proved to be a game saver for the Rays in game 7 of the ALCS, but he’s still young and inexperienced and will be matching up against Brad Lidge, who’s only failed save came in the All-Star game (which I witnessed - sorry had to throw that in). It would be hard to count either team out, but the almost week layoff for the Phillies could certainly be a disadvantage in some ways, but it also allowed them to set their starting rotation perfectly. The Rays on the other hand should not fall into the trap of basking too long in Sunday’s victory. A game 1 victory has become a near perfect indicator for the eventual World Series winner, so get ready kids because the action is just about to start.
Game 1
Tampa Bay Rays v. Philadelphia Phillies
Rays Starter: Scott Kazmir
Phillies Starter: Cole Hamels
Game Time: 8 PM/est on Fox
News&Notes: Games 1 and 2 (and 6 and 7 if necessary) will require Philadelphia to play under American League rules, but Charlie Manuel isn't ready to reveal just who will be the Phillies' DH. I'd go with Pat Burrell, since they take him out in the seventh for a defensive replacement anyway, but indicators are pointing towards Chris Coste and Matt Stairs...Congratulations to Evan Longoria and Geovany Soto for being named the Sporting News' Rookies of the Year...Did I mention this Joba Chamberlain DUI story has gotten so much better?...So if anyone was wondering what I wanted for my birthday next year, it would probably be tickets to the Yankees/Cubs exibition games at the New Yankee Stadium in 2009. Just throwing it out there...Get well wishes go out to Nationals GM Jim Bowden, who recently underwent skin cancer surgery...Jose Canseco says he's sorry for naming names, so you can stop with the death threats already, Mark...And finally, I'm not sure how I will cope with this, following the death of Skip Caray over the summer, Pete Van Wieren has announced he will retire. Too bad, those are like the voices of my childhood.
Rays Starter: Scott Kazmir
Phillies Starter: Cole Hamels
Game Time: 8 PM/est on Fox
News&Notes: Games 1 and 2 (and 6 and 7 if necessary) will require Philadelphia to play under American League rules, but Charlie Manuel isn't ready to reveal just who will be the Phillies' DH. I'd go with Pat Burrell, since they take him out in the seventh for a defensive replacement anyway, but indicators are pointing towards Chris Coste and Matt Stairs...Congratulations to Evan Longoria and Geovany Soto for being named the Sporting News' Rookies of the Year...Did I mention this Joba Chamberlain DUI story has gotten so much better?...So if anyone was wondering what I wanted for my birthday next year, it would probably be tickets to the Yankees/Cubs exibition games at the New Yankee Stadium in 2009. Just throwing it out there...Get well wishes go out to Nationals GM Jim Bowden, who recently underwent skin cancer surgery...Jose Canseco says he's sorry for naming names, so you can stop with the death threats already, Mark...And finally, I'm not sure how I will cope with this, following the death of Skip Caray over the summer, Pete Van Wieren has announced he will retire. Too bad, those are like the voices of my childhood.
(Photo: Reuters/AP)
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