World Series Game 1 Preview: Phillies Vs. Rays

The Fall Classic is now upon us. 30 teams began the season and now, only two are left. In a match up, that on paper links relatively equal teams, Game 1 will go a long ways in deciding who will prevail as champions.

Both teams are loaded with talent. By observing the players at each position, it will help to distinguish who will prevail in the opening round of this prize fight.

First baseman- Ryan Howard vs. Carlos Pena

This is one of the more high power comparisons of all the positions. Both are good with the glove and both have long ball capability. The only difference is that Pena consistently puts the bat on the the ball more. Ryan Howard's strikeout numbers are the stuff of legend.

Edge: Pena

Second baseman- Chase Utley vs. Akinori Iwamura

Iwamura is the quintessential table setter for the Rays. Utley is everything else for the Phillies.

Edge: Utley

Shortstop-Jimmy Rollins vs. Jason Bartlett

Rollins was the Major League MVP last year, not this year. Bartlett is fundamentally sound. He's the glue to the Rays infield AND ...... he's not Jimmy Rollins.

Edge: Rollins

Third baseman-Pedro Felilz vs. Evan Longoria

Let's be honest, Feliz is in the line-up for his glove and Longoria is knocking the cover off the ball.

Edge: Longoria

Left Fielder- Pat Burrell vs. Carl Crawford

This one is pretty much a toss-up. Both bring different attributes to the game that benefit their teams. I think that Burrell is hitting just a little bit better.

Edge: Burrell

Center Fielder- Shane Victorino vs. B.J. Upton

Shane Victorino is the type of player that every team wants. B.J. Upton is a five tool juggernaut. I just don't think that Upton's American League Championship Series performance will carry over to Game 1, not versus Hamels at least.

Edge: Victorino

Right Fielder- Jason Werth vs. Rocco Baldelli

Werth has been an underrated asset to the Phillies all season while Baldelli is getting over mitochondrial disorder that kept him out most of the year.

Edge: Werth

Catcher - Carlos Ruiz vs. Dioner Navarro

If you are lookinig for a hitter, Navarro is the winner, hands down. If you are looking for a someone who is going to call the right game for his picther, I go with Ruiz.

Edge: Ruiz

Designated Hitter - Greg Dobbs vs. Willy Aybar

Greg Dobbs simply is the better hitter. Willy did his work in Game 7 versus Boston.

Edge: Dobbs

Starting Pitchers - Cole Hamels vs. Scott Kazmir

Both of these pitchers were All Stars for their respective leagues. Right now, I don't think anyone is pitching better and with more confidence than Cole Hamels and I don't think their is a better pitch in this World Series than Hamels' changeup.

Bullpen - Scott Eyre, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, James Happ vs. Edwin Jackson, Grant Balfour, Jay Howell, Dan Wheeler, Corey Bradford and Trevor Miller,

I think that both of these teams bullpens are sensational. I think that the Rays bullpen let them down in Game 5 of the ALCS. I don't see that happening again. However, I think that the Phillies bullpen is on the march. It is too difficult to call with this one.

Edge: Push

Closer- Brad Lidge vs. David Price

Brad Lidge hasn't blown a save opportunity all year. David Price is a phenom. If it reaches either one of them, its lights out. I think that based on the regular season, I like Lidge not to implode.

Edge: Lidge

Keep in mind, Game 1 is not the series in its entirety but it is essential to get it under your belt. I think the enthusiasm of the crowd will be in the rays favor. I think their experience of the Phillies will be their best attribute. All in all, in Game 1 at least, Cole Hamels will be too much.