Phillies v. Rays
I think it's safe to say that this is probably the last World Series matchup that anybody expected to see. I can also imagine that this will probably draw very low ratings as these are two teams that there does not appear to be a very big fanbase for. But despite all of these facts, this should be a pretty good series.
The Phillies have the big names on offense. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth. But overall, Tampa's offense in my mind is at least even. B.J. Upton has had an unbelievable postseason and Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria are very dangerous as well. Because of the big names I would give the Phillies a very slight advantage but the Rays as we saw in the ALCS are very capable of offensive explosions.
In terms of the starting rotation Cole Hamels is far and away the best pitcher in the series. He will give the Phillies a solid chance at stealing Game 1. But overall I would say the Rays with the likes of Shields, Kazmir and Garza are more balanced with their pitching rotation. I think the Phillies are gonna need the absolute best out of Hamels in order to stay with Tampa.
Both bullpens are solid but the Phillies get the advantage here. It definitely seems like Lidge is back and the Phillies bp has been lights out. Tampa's bp has also overall been solid but they could have defeated Boston in only five if their bullpen hadn't had maybe the biggest meltdown in playoff history. I would give the Phillies the advantage.
Overall, it's hard to be certain who will win this series as they seem to be fairly evenly matched. But I am gonna say the Rays in seven as I think the main difference seems to be the Rays very much got battle tested against the Red Sox and I think that's what it will take. The Phillies have looked very impressive throughout the playoffs but they haven't been challeneged at all. I think that will be the thing to put the Rays on top. And that's what I hope will happen. It'll hopefully be one of the greates runs throughout a season, from worst to first. Rays in seven.
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Attention Sports Fans:
Hey guys, just wanted to extend everyone an invite to my house (923 e. Jefferson) this Saturday for an awesome day of tailgating, lawn games, and football watching. There’ll be games on multiple large-screen TVs starting at 11am and leading up to the big primetime match-up (No, not PSU/OSU, Notre Dame v. Washington!). I have a pretty big yard so all day we’ll have games going on (Bags, Australian Frisbee, Pong/Flip Cup, etc), and we’ll also grill plenty of meat. Feel free to bring friends/girlfriend/boyfriends/dogs (the yard is fenced in and my dog could use company). I’ll probably get a keg from John’s of something decent, let me know if anyone has any particular requests. Hope you guys can all make it!
P.S. Dave you don't have a blog I can post this on, but you're expected to make an appearance as well.
Really want the Rays to win, but as I said in my blog I just don't see it happening.
The Phillies have too many weapons on offense, and Cole Hamels showed last night he can turn a series around.
I'll be rooting for the Rays for sure. They need this game tonight tho!
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