2008 World Series Preview: Tampa Bay Rays Vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Will the Young Team from the American League or the Veteran Squad from the National League Win the Fall Classic in 2008?
There is only one way to describe how stellar the Tampa Bay Rays have been this year. Quickly turning into "America's Underdog," the media kept doubting this young ballclub before they finally won the ALCS last night, capping an awesome season and proving their worthiness at the top of baseball.
The Rays took down the defending World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox, and they did it with class and style. They didn't lose their poise after blowing a seven run lead. Even a pressure-packed Game 6 loss didn't seem to faze this young team: they were good to go for Game 7 and gave it everything they had.
The Red Sox and Rays looked to be fairly evenly matched, but make no doubt about it: the Tampa Bay Rays have the better baseball club in 2008, and they will represent the American League well.
The National League Championship belongs to the Philadelphia Phillies, and they did it with ease as they took down the Los Angeles Dodgers and their newest acquisition, Manny Ramirez. The Phillies will be going on to the World Series, something they haven't since 1993.
Led by major power hitter Ryan Howard and speedster Jimmy Rollins, this is a lineup built to go deep in the playoffs. However, question marks at the starting pitching level will knock this team down a notch. Can Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer hold up behind the resurgent Brett Myers and the top pitcher Cole Hamels? It is yet to be seen.
One thing that both of these teams have in common is a stellar bullpen. Both bullpens are deep and can work anywhere from mop-up duty to holding late inning leads. I am fond of Brad Lidge as a closer for the Phillies, so they have somewhat of an advantage here. The Rays had problems finding consistency at the end of the playoff series, but I really like David Price to contribute in a big way in the 2008 World Series. The guy can really pitch despite only being a rookie: his fastball is extremely deceptive.
All in all, it is difficult for anyone to pick a winner of the series. If I had to pick today, I would go with the Rays in seven. There is so much truth to the statement, "There's only one October." This is sure to be one for the ages, and will be an absolute joy to watch and follow.
Published by Forrest W. Kobayashi
Forrest W. Kobayashi is a social media enthusiast, blogger and freelance journalist from Alexandria, VA. View profile
- Four Ways to Celebrate the Fourth in Tampa Bay with Your FamilyAmong the many Independence Day celebrations to be held in the Tampa Bay area are these four family-friendly ideas.
- World Series 2007: Boston Red Sox Will WinThe Boston Red Sox are on fire and they are going to win the World Series 2007 on Halloween, October 31st, 2007, Game 6 of the World Series at Fenway Park in Boston.
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays Become "The Rays"The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have begun their reinvention process by shortening their moniker to "Rays." - NFL Team History: The Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers originally owned by Ted McCloskey was added to the National Football League in 1976.
- Why is the World Series a Best-of-7 Series?4-World Series were played under a "Best-of-9" scenario, and three went to 8 games - including the first. What happened to the Best-of-9 concept?
- A Vacation Guide to Tampa Bay
- Daniel Negreanu: The Poker Kid - World Series of Poker Player Bio
- 2006 World Series of Poker Winner Jamie Gold Pockets $12 Million
- Max O'Well Visits Florida's Tampa Bay Aquarium
- Errors in World Series History
- Tampa Bay Retirement Communities
- Babe Ruth's Home Run at the 1932 World Series: Called Shot or Coincidence?