At Home Plate - Point/Counterpoint - Who Will Win the World Series

Point/Counterpoint - Who Will Win the World Series

Written by At Home Plate Staff (Contact & Archive) on October 22, 2008

Phillies in Six

Zach Greenberg

Geez, talk about one hell of a matchup. Sure, the sporting public will not get the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox, cities that have adored the attention for the past decade or so, but how about some new teams for a change?

If you would have told me before the start of the season that the Rays, a team that had finished in last place for all but one season for more than one decade would have won 97 games and make the World Series, I probably would have spat in your face and called you crazy on the spot. In addition, one can assume that a couple comments to the tune of, “What are you stupid?” or “Have you seen your doctor?” would have been thrown in their some way or another.

With an improbable run to the World Series, the Rays have grasped America’s attention, day in and day out overcoming adversity and usually touted as overachieving. But maybe this team is just that good. However, one team stands in their way. Just one team standing in the Rays way, in hopes that they can make this a season to remember, where the Rays went from a cellar dweller to kings of the baseball world. On the other hand, the Phillies can put this glamorous Ray season to a stop, crushing the hearts and souls of all those Ray fans.

The Philadelphia Phillies, a franchise that has one just one World Series title in a time period lasting over a century will meet the Rays, in hopes to finish off what has already been a magical season.

I believe that the Phillies will win the World Series in six games. Why? Experience does help, but it is not all that. The Phillies have a much more potent offense, containing enough depth to score without having to depend on Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.

However, the bats could be an issue because of the break hiatus. The Phillies definitely hold a nice advantage on the offensive side, but are more evenly matched in pitching. Matt Garza, Scott Kazmir and James Shields form a solid trio, posed against Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer. I will give the Rays a slight advantage in the rotation, but the bullpen is where it all comes together for the Phils. The Phightin Phils have arguably the best bullpen in the league, anchored by perfect closer Brad Lidge, who still has not blown a single save.

In all, I think that the Phillies will overcome the Rays and win this series. The Rays story of last-to- first is very heartening, but the Phillies are a more explosive and dynamic club. Shane Victorino will continue his outstanding play, and in my eyes, will be the MVP.

Go Phillies!

Rays will Win Fall Classic

Jon Leshanski

I kind of wonder if Philly has any chance at all. The Rays have to be the heavy favorites to win the World Series for many reasons. While both teams have plenty of speed and power and match up well, the Rays should have a lot of advantages when the series starts.

1) Home Field Advantage - The Rays had the best home field record of any team in baseball this season and the Trop is a crazy little dome filled with quirks, catwalks and funny bounces. Sure the Phillies had the best road record in the NL but this is something different, and the Rays as they say were masters of their own domain. No reason to believe the Phillies will change that if the Yankees and Red Sox, who were more familiar with this venue, couldn’t.

2) Depth of Pitching Staff - Sure Cole Hamels is an elite pitcher, but even if Brett Myers pitches like Cy Young the starters after those two just isn’t strong enough to match up with a rotation of Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine. You just can’t have that much belief in Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton.

3) Left handers. The Rays will be throwing a lefty starter, have great left handers in the bullpen and the advantage belongs solidly to the Rays especially in the late innings when their left handers will take full advantage of Ryan Howard and his abysmal numbers against lefties. Howard might well screw himself into the ground swinging at pitches against the Rays lefties - especially against starter Scott Kazmir who could potentially even start three games in this series if it goes that far. It will also cut into the production of Chase Utley who could easily be a game changer if underestimated.

4) The Layoff - The Phillies bats had just started to awaken when at the NLCS came to a screeching halt. A week off will have done their timing no more favors than it did to the Rockies last year. Meanwhile the Rays have been firing on all cylinders.

5) Speed. Both teams have it, but the Rays have more and have used it in the playoffs. The Rays have stolen 17 bases compared to the Phillies seven so far - and more of the Rays are a threat to run. That should keep pressure on the Phillies defense.

6) Outfield defense. The Rays outfield is fast enough to run down anything, all have strong arms and play great defense. It gives them a slight edge against the Phils who are just a mite shakier but even a slight edge in grabbing an extra base or two in this series could be crucial.

My thoughts, Rays in 5.

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Comments (4)

rays in 5? ha!

i like the pick of Victorino being the MVP...he was probably the MVP of the game last night even though he got thrown out at home when he shouldnt have tested
BJ's arm

however, to say that the Rays have a slight advantage in their rotation is an understatement.....i wouldnt trust Moyer any further than i could throw him...and same goes for Myers who has been good since his return from being sent down to the minors...but if he sucked so bad to get sent down to the minors this year, how much can you trust him now??? he has been solid in the
playoffs, but he hasnt shown an ability to consistently be good

the rotation is the Rays strength, and their defense i would pick the Rays in 7....but i think the Phils could also take it in 7....either way, i see thsi as
a long series

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