Rays Vs. Phillies World Series Match-Up

I have never been a fan of baseball and can honestly say that prior to the playoff games, in which the Tampa Bay Rays have managed to awe and inspire thousands, I have never watched baseball. If nothing else, the Rays have definitely won over another "fan" who will continue to tune in to all future games. Since I have never watched baseball, my ability to give a serious breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams is of an infantile level. However, while I'm watching the game, here is what I'll be watching for and why.

The Rays have become a national phenomenon and I'm sure have won the praise of many out there who have watched them go from worst to first. The fact that they are an expansion team that has only been around for ten years could play a key role against the Phillies which was originally founded in 1883. That adds up to a lot of years experience that the Phillies have over the Rays. Of course it took the Phillies nearly twenty years to win their first pennant which could mean an edge for the Rays. You may also want to add to that the rivalry between Philly and Tampa when vying for the Super Bowl and Stanley Cup. To add a fight to win the World Series should make for some very exciting games.

In watching the playoff games, here is who stuck out and who to watch in Game 1 of the World Series. The Rays certainly have a great team this season, but I noticed just a few players that the Phillies need to keep an eye on if they want a chance to win. First up would have to be B.J. Upton, center fielder for the Rays, who managed four home runs in the ALCS, 11 RBIs and led the Rays' offensive attack against the Red Sox. There is also the likely Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria who came up with 8 RBIs in the ALCS and is one of the youngest players on the team. He will certainly be one to watch if he continues to prevail in his clean-up spot.

Since I am a Major League Baseball virgin there's only so much I can tell you about a team other than the Rays. I watched the Rays play off games, but unfortunately did not watch the Phillies, so I had to turn to my husband to fill me in on what he thinks about their star players. It appears the consensus is to watch Phillies first baseman, Ryan Howard who was the 2006 MVP with 153 home runs in the last three regular seasons.

I could actually sit here and find stats for all the players and break it down that way, but I just don't see how any of that will matter much this time around. I think the Rays are just going to keep their composure and bring the World Series title to Tampa to join our Super Bowl and Stanley Cup champions. If worse comes to worse, we can always count on "MORE COW BELL."