-Dexter Sports
2:15 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Today's playoff action has a lot of drama behind it. As we all know, at this time of the season, teams are making last minute roster decisions. Usually it seems that these decisions really don't matter. But this season it could. Let's take a look at some roster moves shaking and baking before postseason play.

• The Tampa Rays have some of the most interesting roster moves to make. Speedy leadoff lefty Carl Crawford will make the start against the whitesox in game one. The Most interesting though is the rumor that Edwin Jackson will be left of the ALDS roster. The Rays felt that there were better options for the bullpen (including rookie David Price.) I believe you have to keep the fourteen game winner on the roster. Throw him in the pen. In fact, if Troy Percival isnt healthy, why not make Jackson the closer. His electric slider gives him the stuff to fit the role.

• For the Dodgers, Short Stop Rafael Furcal will be batting lead-off tonight. Furcal is straight off the DL, and could be a key spark for the L.A. offense. Jeff Kent is also fresh off the D.L. It seems that Matt Kemp will not really get an oppurtnity to play, with the emergence of Andre Either and Manny Ramirez. Derek Lowe will take the mound in game one.
  

• The other team in Los Angeles will most likely stick Vlad Guerrero at the DH spot. Gary Matthews jr. earned his spot in the outfield as the season wound down. I find it interesting that Mike Sciosca, the worshipper of tough defense, would put Vlad at DH. His arm, though really wild, is still one of the strongest in baseball. Gary Matthews does have a good arm as well though.

• The Brewers will not carry veteran Gabe Kapler, as well as starter Ben Sheets and veteran reliever David Riske. All will be injured. Manager Dale Sveum has also decided to carry Brad Nelson on the roster. Should make for an interesting pinch hit option for the Brew Crew. It looks like Rickie Weeks will may the start tonight and bat second. Hopefully, Bill Hall will be a good option second in the lineup.

• The Phillies will be without Pat Burell. The Philadelphia Inquirer has a great article today about playoff rotations, and how it's really just a flip of the coin. I believe their staff easily overmatches that of the Brewers. If Cole Hamel's change up is on, watch out. Meanwhile, the only pitcher with consistency right now for the Brewers is the one and only C.C. Sabathia. But watch out Yovanni Gallardo could be a true stud in the playoffs.
  

• The Red Sox are all a mess like always. J.D. Drew should bring his 19 homers back into the lineup, but nothing is certain. Mike Lowell could miss some time, which woudl force Kevin Youkallis over to third and Sean Casey. One thing is certain though. Their top three starters are going to be tough to beat. It will be interesting to see where the Paul Byrds of the team will fit in this postseason.
  

For the White Sox, it will be a quick turnaround on making decisions. I love the idea of throwing Javier Vazquez against James Shields. I really like this rotation's chances. The Offense is another issue. But if they get hot, a run like 2005 could be in order.