SPORTS COMMENTARY
Grant Lucas
Review staff writer
Four days after the Philadelphia Phillies clinched its first World Series berth since 1993, the young and surprising Tampa Bay Rays beat the defending champion Boston Red Sox, making it to the World Series for the first time in its 10-year history.
Yes, the Rays: A rare Cinderella, worst-to-first story. After finishing dead last with a record of 66-96 last season, Tampa Bay took an early hold of the American League East lead, retaining the lead for 111 days, finishing 97-65 and claiming the title of AL East division champs.
The Phillies, on the other hand, won the National League East regular season title with a record of 92-70. They are trying to bounce back after a disappointing postseason last year, when they were swept in the National League Championship Series by the Colorado Rockies.
It’s two outstanding stories from Major League Baseball, but is anyone even going to watch it? The postseason this year is already down almost 20 percent in television ratings (probably because the “almighty” Yankees didn’t make it…thank God). No one, except those from the Philadelphia and Tampa Bay areas, is really a fan of these franchises.
So why turn it on?
I’ll tell you why: The Rays are putting up outstanding numbers this postseason. Third baseman Evan Longoria has already broken the rookie homerun record for a single postseason, blasting six homeruns. That number will most likely increase after the World Series.
Not only is Longoria stepping up, but center-fielder B.J. Upton has contributed with seven bombs during the playoffs.
Combined, Longoria and Upton are second behind Rich Aurilia and Barry Bonds for most homeruns by teammates in a single postseason. Two more dingers from the Upton-Longoria crew, and that record is reset.
The Rays are also full of role players. Willy Aybar, who stepped in for injured Longoria in September, has connected on some crucial hits that helped carry the Rays to where they are now. Also, Carlos Peña refuses to be shut down as he continues to be a dominant force in the middle of the lineup.
The Phillies have a star player of their own. Shane Victorino, the “Flyin’ Hawaiian,” set a new Philadelphia postseason record with 11 runs batted in.
As far as starting pitching goes, Tampa is pretty well set. Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine and James Shields make up the starting rotation. They have combined for 67 innings pitched and 50 strikeouts, and not one of them older than 26.
Philadelphia has the edge in the bullpen. Relievers and closers have a 2.79 earned run average compared to the Rays’ 3.64 ERA.
This is definitely a series worth watching. Can the Phillies’ pitching staff shut down Longoria and company?
Can the veterans, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, finally step up to bring a championship back to Philly?
I guess you’ll just have to watch.
