Mason:
Yeah, about that Angels pick I made…
It’s tough to root against the Rays this October. They’ve become the media darlings of 2008 — from worst to first and all that jazz.
You know what, though? The Phillies’ story isn’t a bad one either.
Sure, they’ve been to the World Series three (now four) times since 1980. But for a team founded in 1883 as the Philadelphia Quakers, they’re a franchise that still has just one title.
That was a 97-year drought. Luckily for current Phillies fans, they won’t have to wait that long for World Series title No. 2.
The Rays have a lineup stacked with young, talented players. I’ll give them that. But what they lack is postseason experience. Granted, it hasn’t hurt them thus far, as they took care of the White Sox and Red Sox — two other clubs pretty familiar with how to win in October.
Philadelphia was in the postseason just a year ago. They wound up falling to last year’s version of the Rays — the Colorado Rockies — in a three-game sweep. I think they’ve learned their lesson, though, and won’t let that ugly history repeat itself.
Looking up and down this Phillies roster, it’s tough to find a weak spot. Of all their everyday starters, every player but catcher Carlos Ruiz had over 100 hits. All but third baseman Pedro Feliz drove in 40 or more runs.
In the end, it will be the big bats of Philadelphia that will prevail over those of the Rays. Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley will be too much for the team everybody loves to love.
The clock’s struck midnight on the Cinderella Rays. Good thing the Phillies have no curfew.
Zetlin:
Ha! I’m so glad you brought up “postseason experience!” You made my point for me.
This whole idea of experience is the most overrated aspect of sports since Wisconsin football. Whenever a young team makes the postseason, it comes up, and whenever an “experienced” team makes the playoffs, critics wonder if they’re too old.
It’s all nonsense.
Baseball is baseball. 90 feet between the bases, 60 feet, six inches from rubber to plate.
Yes, October ball is more intense, and sometimes certain players — cough, A-Rod, cough, cough — fold once the regular season is complete. But Baldelli, Longoria, Upton and friends have already proved it’s ice water in their veins, not “inexperienced” type O.
On the mound, the Rays also have the edge. After the Cole Hamels-Scott Kazmir Game 1 matchup, Tampa’s duo of Matt Garza and James Shields are light-years better than anything Philly has to offer. And don’t even talk to me about setup men: Dan Wheeler, J.P. Howell, Grant Balfour, David Price. Come on.
The Phillies have been growing mold and losing their timing, waiting to play for a week now. You think they’ll be ready to face those flamethrowers? Please.
Call them Cinderellas, longshots, call them whatever you want. This Tampa team is a team of destiny. This series won’t even be close.
From worst to first. The 2008 World Series is Rays for days!
