Who would have thunk it, Rays versus Phillies. Absolutely no one predicted this would be this season's World Series matchup. Here is everything you need to know.
The Rays are the underdog, the unexpected, and the shocker. This is a team ful
l of talented youth playing with a huge chip on their shoulder. The Rays had never had a winning season in their franchise history, and now find themselves four wins away from being baseball's best team. Their rotation has Kazmir a young power-throwing lefty who has ace stuff when on, James Shields nicknamed "Big Game! ," Matt Garza the ALCS MVP and a big game pitcher of himself, and the reliable Andy Sonnastine. The bullpen has been solid all season, but seemed to start to struggle against Boston until rookie #1 overall pick David Price closed it out. I think this kid has a huge impact in this series. J.P. Howell, Grant Balfour, and Dan Wheeler will all rebound as well for the Rays. The lineup is exceptional. Having B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena, and Evan Longoria in the 2-5 slots will be trouble for the Phillies starting pitching. Aki Iwamura, Carl Crawford, and Dioner Navarro are all underrated for what they bring to the 
lineup. Willie! Aybar h as also been phenomenal as well.The Phillies live on the longball. Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Shane Victorino help Philly boast one of the best offenses. Lets not forget about the underrated Jayson Werth. The Philly lineup is fantastic, but if they are not hitting home runs, it could be difficult for Philly to win. The bullpen is the best in baseball plain and simple. Brad Lidge still perfect in saves this season with a ton of great arms setting him up. The problems lie within the starting rotation beyond Cole Hamels. If the Phillies do win the World Series Hamels will be MVP. This kid is phenomenal. He can single handily win games. The one problem with this is he can only pitch a maximum of 2 games. Brett Myers has been very inconsistent, and the Rays could rough him up. Jamie Moyer has been down right awful this postseason and I expect Tampa Bay to light him up. Joe Blanton is solid, but the Rays starters could be tough mat! chups for him.
So what does all this mean? Here is what you have been waiting for...my prediction.
Tampa Bay Rays defeat Philadelphia Phillies 4-1
MVP: Evan Longoria TB
