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by Digger

World Series 2008: Philadelphia Phillies vs Tampa Bay Rays

MLB's Fall Classic improbable teams. The National League was supposed to be ruled by two clubs, Chicago Cubs & New York Mets. AL was supposed to be dominated by Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Instead, Philadelphia and Tampa defied predictions, polls and popular opinion on their way to play in this years MLB World Series.

Time to break down the newest AL/NL Champions.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (92-70) (Year by Year) (Division Series) (NLCS)

The Phillies 92 victories represent their first 90 win season since 1993. 2008 was also the first time they've won a Playoff series since '93.

Offense: NL best 214 Home Runs; Tied for 2nd in NL runs scored (799).
When Philadelphia's lineup is clicking, they score runs in bunches. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins are the key cogs. Late season acquisition Matt Stairs was brought in for bench depth and as a DH extraordinaire just in case his new club advanced to the World Series. He'll most likely be DH during games played in Tampa and PH in key late inning situations. The only lineup weak spot is at C where Ruiz/Coste have split time.

Defense: .985 Fielding % NL 5th best.
Solid infield defense around the horn. 1B-Howard, 2B-Utley, SS-Rollins, 3B-Feliz all flash leather and make big plays when games are on the line. All have good instincts, range and strong arms. Not many E's are expected unless the pressure of World Series play creates havoc in players minds. Outfielders: LF-Burrell, CF-Victorino, RF- Werth have all swung clutch bats and play steady D. Burrell will be a player to watch as nagging injuries could limit fielding range. Only snag in Phils D is behind the plate as opposing baserunners seem to steal at will. This will be a huge challenge vs a speedy Rays lineup.

Starting Pitching: After Hamels, the Phils rotation could be in trouble. Hamels was NLCS MVP. His Playoff stats include 3-0, 1.23. He's the Phils go to guy. Blanton, Myers & Moyer round out their rotation. It's anyone's guess if starters 2-4 can cool off an aggressive Rays attack. They'll be tested often.

Bullpen: Huge advantage for Philadelphia. Lidge was sensational this season (41 Saves, 1.95, NO blown saves) and has been lights out blowing hitters away all year including a perfect 5 for 5 vs Milwaukee/Los Angeles in Playoff action. In total, Phillies pitchers have surrendered only 2 earned runs in their last 19+ post-season innings.

TAMPA BAY RAYS (97-65) (Year by Year) (Division Series) (ALCS)

Tampa Bay's magical season continues with a trip to the World Series. Never before had Tampa posted a winning record. Never had they finished higher than 4th in AL East (once). Only one season with 70 wins. The Rays took over first place for good on July 18th. They kept a close eye in their rear view mirror as Boston kept inching closer until finally clinching in late September.

Tampa was not given much respect during the regular season. Not much respect heading into their opening round vs Chicago White Sox. Not much respect vs World Champs Boston. The baseball world has finally realized Tampa is for real. From top to bottom, each player contributes. Tampa plays like a "team". Now they're ready to challenge for a World Series title.

Offense: During the regular season, no single player was considered a "go-to" guy. They all contributed. Only one player hit 30+ HR's (Pena). Only one player knocked in more than 100 (Pena). No players crossed home 100 times. Tampa thrived on clutch play by all players. So many hitters stepped up to the plate with games on the line and more often than not... each one came thru. Tampa is very aggressive on the bases. They steal, hit and run, bunt, run 1st to 3rd. Basically, they just apply pressure. BJ Upton leads Playoff hitters with 7 HR and 15 RBI. He's as hot as one player can be... nearing post-season immortality.

Defense: Solid team .985 fielding %. Very strong infield defenders and speedy outfielders cut off grounders up the middle and gappers in the outfield. If there's any area of weakness it's in lack of power arms in OF. 1B-Pena, 2B-Iwamura, SS-Bartlett, 3B-Longoria committed only 37 E's. Rays defense was one of the major reasons this squad won 97 games and AL East.

Starting Pitching: Total turnaround in 2008. Team 3.82 ERA was AL's second best. Kazmir, Shields, Garza and Sonnanstine will start the Series first four games. It's a gutsy rotation showing no fear by constantly challenging and staying ahead of opposing hitters.

Bullpen: Tampa's biggest question mark. Veteran closer Troy Percival was brilliant until faltering due to injuries (out for season). It's been a bullpen by committee ever since without having any one overpowering go to guy. Except for a few blips on the radar screen... Tampa relievers are ready to do battle.

Prediction/Outlook: Both teams are hungry. Both playing great in clutch situations. Both were expected to get dumped early in post-season action.
Tampa Bay Rays will win 2008 World Series in 6 games

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