Old Guard vs. Young Guns
One team has been around for 125 years, the other has been in existence for only ten.
On the surface, the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays may not be the most attractive World Series match-up, but with the way the teams are structured, this meeting of the old and new will give baseball fans something to cheer about.
Rays Pitchers vs. Phillies Hitters
Tampa’s starting rotation will be facing the most balanced offense they’ve seen all year. A key for the Rays will be their lefthanders who will need to slow down Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Starter Scott Kazmir, along with relievers J.P. Howell and Trever Miller will be counted on to get some key outs. James Shields is Tampa’s most consistent starter but ALCS MVP Matt Garza’s stock rose considerably in the past few weeks.
Southpaw David Price has become an "x" factor. The Rays were desperate for a closer so if the youngster can duplicate what he did in game 7, the Rays will be tough to beat when they have a lead.
Jimmy Rollins keys the Phils offense but don’t underestimate unsung heroes like Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino
Phillies Pitchers vs Rays Hitters
By ending their NLCS in rapid fashion, Charlie Manuel can line up his starters in their proper order beginning with Cole Hamels. The Phils’ bullpen has flourished in the post season and they have a "lights out" closer in Brad Lidge.
The Rays’ offense can be susceptible to lefthanders despite overcoming Red Sox lefty Jon Lester. B.J. Upton is developing into a star and the Phils cannot afford to give him opportunities to drive in runs.
Philadelphia’s pitchers will have their hands full with the "meat" of the Rays lineup but they cannot allow the bottom third of the order to be productive.
Citizens Bank Ballpark vs. Tropicana Field
Citizens Bank Ballpark is a "hitter’s park" while "The Trop" does not yield as many long balls but the gaps can produce doubles and triples.
The site of the game determines how the game is played because the "designated hitter" comes into play at the home field of the American League champion.
The Phillies will use the "D-H" to get an additional bat in the line-up without sacrificing any defense. 3B Pedro Feliz has struggled offensively, but at "The Trop", Manuel can have Greg Dobbs in the line-up for his offense while leaving the defensively superior Feliz remain at third base.
In Philadelphia, losing the "D-H" will hurt Tampa. In the World Series, the American League team always suffers more without the "D-H" than the National League team does by adding another hitter. The depth of a team’s bench will come into play as well.
Keys to the Series
The Phillies have had problems with opposing teams’ running games and Tampa features a lot of speed. The Rays lived off the long ball against Boston, so the Phils will need to keep them in the ballpark.
Tampa’s chances rest with their bullpen. The Rays’ starters are pitching well but their losses in the playoffs came late in the game. Philadelphia has a huge edge in the bullpen but Price can even that out somewhat if he can continue to be successful in the closing role.
Tampa’s defense has been suspect in the post season while the Phillies have an underrated defensive team.
Add it all up and it looks like Phillies in seven.
