World Series Break-Down
-Dexter Sports
3:02 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
So Maybe Neilson won't be praising these two teams tonight. I have become "Ok" with that. We know the real baseball fans will watch. I am a huge fan of this world series. Finally two teams, who haven't had a shot in a while or ever. Its refreshing. Both of these teams have some Young Guns that surely know how to play the game. Let's break down the match up going into game one tonight.
1.) Starting Pitching-
First and Foremost, starting pitching is surely a strongpoint of both these squads. For the Phillies, Cole Hamels has shined this postseason. His two wins in the NLCS were huge factors in a Dodgers series that should have been somewhat close. Brett Myers has been a man possesed as of late as well, and is a big reason why the Phillies can say they are representatives of the national league. Though he hasnt been the best post-season pitcher, he has kept the Phillies in the ballgame. Even if it has been by drawing the walk.
For the Rays, it has been Exciting to see what many, Including me, consider the next big three. James Shields, Matt Garza and Scott Kazmir haven't been perfect all season, but they have pitched consistent. That will be key in the fall classic. For Matt Garza, it has been one hell of a post-season. And in the back end of the Rotation is two starters that could fill ins if need be. It his hard to believe I haven't mentioned Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnastine. If they can stay poise, like they have throughout this post-season, they will be tough to stop.
Advantage: Tampa Rays
2.)Relief Pitching-
One thing that has been constant this season, is the pressence of Brad Lidge. One again, Lidge has locked on with the slider, and hasn't lost sight on finishing the year perfect in save opputunities. As we saw in the ALDS against the Brewers, He can downright dominate hitters. And Charlie Manuel will ride that arm throughout the world series. The Phillies will also rely on lefty J.C. Romero, who has been dominant all season. But the back of the bullpen doesn't seem to be as prominent as the Rays.
Even though the Rays have gone without Troy Percival, they have done a great job of closing out closer ballgames. Granted, they have given up a lot of runs, but when it matters they have been able to hold a lead. Throw in the young gun David Price, and I think they can compete with the Phillies bullpen. Especially considering Lidge's troubling post season past. Look for veteran Chad Bradford to be a key figure in this pen, whether it be for good performance or bad.
Advantage: Push
3.) Infield-
The Phillies have one of, if not, the best infields in all of the majors. Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins are an excellent one two punch, and Ryan Howard is growing into the best slugger in the National League. Grit players like Pedro Feliz and Greg Dobbs add a lot of character to this team as well. Not to mention that they can outright slug out the Rays infield.
The Rays have a wonderful defensive front, led by soon to be gold glove short stop Jason Bartlett and future Mr. Baseball, Evan Longoria. Throw in the gutsy Akinori Iwamura and you can start to understand how this team made it here. First Baseman Carlos Pena is also one of the most underrated defensive players in the game. They sure are solid defensively, but I don't believe they match up with the phillie in the tale of the tape so to speak.
Advantage: Phillies
4.) Catcher-
Carlos Ruiz hit a measley .219 in 117 games with the Phillies this season. Offensively, he has not been a boost to this club. But he does ultimately call a good game, and in the National League, that could be what matters the most. Chris Coste didnt do much better, hitting only .263 on the season.
Dioner Navarro increased significantly in 2008. By reducing his strikeouts, Navarrow was able to increase his average from .227 to .295, and was a pivotal part of the wonderful pitching performance from the Rays staff. Though I do believe Navarro is a bit hyped because of a great season, he is a significant upgrade over Ruiz. Anyone who will take on his pitcher to prove a point is ok in my books.
Advantage: Rays
5.) Outfield-
The Hawaii' Kid has been nothing short of impressive this season for the 'Phils. Shane Victorino has been the spark the 'Phils couldn't find in Aaron Rowand or Michael Bourn. He is a heck of a fielder, with great speed and coverage. Surprisingly the platoon of Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth has been pretty successful. Together they have produced nearly identical, if not better numbers that Left Fielder Pat Burrell, who yet again has dissapointed somewhat.
The Rays Outfield is full of young talent and speed as well. B.J. Upton's defensive and power potential have been on display since the start of the playoffs. Carl Crawford is one of the fastest men in the game, and creates a dangerous pressence with speed and power. And the tandom in Right Field has been able to produce throughout the year, though it might not be pretty. Utility man Ben Zobrist will play in Right in game one, which I find is interesting. Rocco Baldelli has shined in the post-season as well.
Though I believe these outfields are pretty even, the speed and ability to produce runs for the Rays outfield gives them a slight advantage.
Advantage: Rays
6.) Bench/Pinch Hitting
For the Rays, It has been a team effort all year. And I believe that will be a big benefit for them and their bench production. Fairly balanced, the Rays bench features veteran slugger Cliff Floyd, as well as speedy youngster Fernando Perez. Gabe Gross is also a capable bat off the bench, who can play pretty good defense. Willy Aybar and Ben Zobrist add depth, as well as defense and pop to an already potent bench. The only weak spot seems to be at backup catcher.
Though the Rays bring a lot of depth to the table from the bench, the Phillie's power and veteran leadership stick out. Matt Stairs, Greg Dobbs, Chris Coste, Eric Bruntlett, So Taguchi and Geoff Jenkins are a threat any time they enter the game. Taguchi has been here before. We saw Matt Stairs already step up to the plate and hit a BIG FLY. There is just something about this group that just shouts out to me. Its Balanced, has power, and can field rather well. I think it's veteran leadership gives it the edge.
Advantage: Phillies
7). Managers-
Charlie Manuel has shown that he is the man for the Job. He has kept this core together and finally pushed them over the top. Sure, he has seen hard times in Philly, but overall, he has his players ready to perform at a top level (Refer to late in the last two seasons). After a tough first round loss to the Phillies in 07, Manuel has made the adjustments on the field. He has handled situations perfectly (Jimmy Rollins not running out plays). Though he has veteran experience and has won before, he has not been further in the playoffs than he has now. That alone keeps him from seperating as the better manager in this World Series.
For Joe Maddon, this has been one heck of a ride. Finally, in the 10 year history of the Tampa franchise, someone has came in and had success. Maddon has the perfect personality for this team. Unconvential, quirky and even sometimes he makes some bad decisions. But he believes more than anything in the players that take the field for him. He has since day one in Tampa. His fire and desire have surely rubbed off on his squad as well. And Im convinced that since he got his club here, after dropping two straight to Boston, that he is the better manager in this series.
Advantage: Rays
8.) Conclusion-
Both of these Teams have been one of destiny this season. For the 'Phils, they crawled back into a race that shouldn't of been theirs. They have scratched to get this point. Their execution against possibly the best starter in the post-season (C.C. Sabathia), shows that they have what it takes to win
On the other side though, The Rays have been a true testament to what "home grown" can really do for you. This season is a story of a bench of ballplayers going out everyday and just playing the game. After finishing last place in the AL East this season, they have upped the defending champs. And it hasn't been via the superstar. Just a bunch of average players, coming together with one thing in common. The Desire to win. And that Desire will drive them.
9.) My Prediction-
Tampa beats the Philedelphia Phillies four games to two.
3:02 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
So Maybe Neilson won't be praising these two teams tonight. I have become "Ok" with that. We know the real baseball fans will watch. I am a huge fan of this world series. Finally two teams, who haven't had a shot in a while or ever. Its refreshing. Both of these teams have some Young Guns that surely know how to play the game. Let's break down the match up going into game one tonight.
1.) Starting Pitching-
First and Foremost, starting pitching is surely a strongpoint of both these squads. For the Phillies, Cole Hamels has shined this postseason. His two wins in the NLCS were huge factors in a Dodgers series that should have been somewhat close. Brett Myers has been a man possesed as of late as well, and is a big reason why the Phillies can say they are representatives of the national league. Though he hasnt been the best post-season pitcher, he has kept the Phillies in the ballgame. Even if it has been by drawing the walk.
For the Rays, it has been Exciting to see what many, Including me, consider the next big three. James Shields, Matt Garza and Scott Kazmir haven't been perfect all season, but they have pitched consistent. That will be key in the fall classic. For Matt Garza, it has been one hell of a post-season. And in the back end of the Rotation is two starters that could fill ins if need be. It his hard to believe I haven't mentioned Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnastine. If they can stay poise, like they have throughout this post-season, they will be tough to stop.
Advantage: Tampa Rays
2.)Relief Pitching-
One thing that has been constant this season, is the pressence of Brad Lidge. One again, Lidge has locked on with the slider, and hasn't lost sight on finishing the year perfect in save opputunities. As we saw in the ALDS against the Brewers, He can downright dominate hitters. And Charlie Manuel will ride that arm throughout the world series. The Phillies will also rely on lefty J.C. Romero, who has been dominant all season. But the back of the bullpen doesn't seem to be as prominent as the Rays.
Even though the Rays have gone without Troy Percival, they have done a great job of closing out closer ballgames. Granted, they have given up a lot of runs, but when it matters they have been able to hold a lead. Throw in the young gun David Price, and I think they can compete with the Phillies bullpen. Especially considering Lidge's troubling post season past. Look for veteran Chad Bradford to be a key figure in this pen, whether it be for good performance or bad.
Advantage: Push
3.) Infield-
The Phillies have one of, if not, the best infields in all of the majors. Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins are an excellent one two punch, and Ryan Howard is growing into the best slugger in the National League. Grit players like Pedro Feliz and Greg Dobbs add a lot of character to this team as well. Not to mention that they can outright slug out the Rays infield.
The Rays have a wonderful defensive front, led by soon to be gold glove short stop Jason Bartlett and future Mr. Baseball, Evan Longoria. Throw in the gutsy Akinori Iwamura and you can start to understand how this team made it here. First Baseman Carlos Pena is also one of the most underrated defensive players in the game. They sure are solid defensively, but I don't believe they match up with the phillie in the tale of the tape so to speak.
Advantage: Phillies
4.) Catcher-
Carlos Ruiz hit a measley .219 in 117 games with the Phillies this season. Offensively, he has not been a boost to this club. But he does ultimately call a good game, and in the National League, that could be what matters the most. Chris Coste didnt do much better, hitting only .263 on the season.
Dioner Navarro increased significantly in 2008. By reducing his strikeouts, Navarrow was able to increase his average from .227 to .295, and was a pivotal part of the wonderful pitching performance from the Rays staff. Though I do believe Navarro is a bit hyped because of a great season, he is a significant upgrade over Ruiz. Anyone who will take on his pitcher to prove a point is ok in my books.
Advantage: Rays
5.) Outfield-
The Hawaii' Kid has been nothing short of impressive this season for the 'Phils. Shane Victorino has been the spark the 'Phils couldn't find in Aaron Rowand or Michael Bourn. He is a heck of a fielder, with great speed and coverage. Surprisingly the platoon of Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth has been pretty successful. Together they have produced nearly identical, if not better numbers that Left Fielder Pat Burrell, who yet again has dissapointed somewhat.
The Rays Outfield is full of young talent and speed as well. B.J. Upton's defensive and power potential have been on display since the start of the playoffs. Carl Crawford is one of the fastest men in the game, and creates a dangerous pressence with speed and power. And the tandom in Right Field has been able to produce throughout the year, though it might not be pretty. Utility man Ben Zobrist will play in Right in game one, which I find is interesting. Rocco Baldelli has shined in the post-season as well.
Though I believe these outfields are pretty even, the speed and ability to produce runs for the Rays outfield gives them a slight advantage.
Advantage: Rays
6.) Bench/Pinch Hitting
For the Rays, It has been a team effort all year. And I believe that will be a big benefit for them and their bench production. Fairly balanced, the Rays bench features veteran slugger Cliff Floyd, as well as speedy youngster Fernando Perez. Gabe Gross is also a capable bat off the bench, who can play pretty good defense. Willy Aybar and Ben Zobrist add depth, as well as defense and pop to an already potent bench. The only weak spot seems to be at backup catcher.
Though the Rays bring a lot of depth to the table from the bench, the Phillie's power and veteran leadership stick out. Matt Stairs, Greg Dobbs, Chris Coste, Eric Bruntlett, So Taguchi and Geoff Jenkins are a threat any time they enter the game. Taguchi has been here before. We saw Matt Stairs already step up to the plate and hit a BIG FLY. There is just something about this group that just shouts out to me. Its Balanced, has power, and can field rather well. I think it's veteran leadership gives it the edge.
Advantage: Phillies
7). Managers-
Charlie Manuel has shown that he is the man for the Job. He has kept this core together and finally pushed them over the top. Sure, he has seen hard times in Philly, but overall, he has his players ready to perform at a top level (Refer to late in the last two seasons). After a tough first round loss to the Phillies in 07, Manuel has made the adjustments on the field. He has handled situations perfectly (Jimmy Rollins not running out plays). Though he has veteran experience and has won before, he has not been further in the playoffs than he has now. That alone keeps him from seperating as the better manager in this World Series.
For Joe Maddon, this has been one heck of a ride. Finally, in the 10 year history of the Tampa franchise, someone has came in and had success. Maddon has the perfect personality for this team. Unconvential, quirky and even sometimes he makes some bad decisions. But he believes more than anything in the players that take the field for him. He has since day one in Tampa. His fire and desire have surely rubbed off on his squad as well. And Im convinced that since he got his club here, after dropping two straight to Boston, that he is the better manager in this series.
Advantage: Rays
8.) Conclusion-
Both of these Teams have been one of destiny this season. For the 'Phils, they crawled back into a race that shouldn't of been theirs. They have scratched to get this point. Their execution against possibly the best starter in the post-season (C.C. Sabathia), shows that they have what it takes to win
On the other side though, The Rays have been a true testament to what "home grown" can really do for you. This season is a story of a bench of ballplayers going out everyday and just playing the game. After finishing last place in the AL East this season, they have upped the defending champs. And it hasn't been via the superstar. Just a bunch of average players, coming together with one thing in common. The Desire to win. And that Desire will drive them.
9.) My Prediction-
Tampa beats the Philedelphia Phillies four games to two.
