It's hard to believe that the Rays had a 7-0 lead and were within seven outs of the World Series....only two games ago. Now most of the national media seems to think that the Red Sox will pull off one of their patented post-season series comebacks. And, if such a thing as momentum exists in the post-season, the Red Sox have it.
Here is an interesting aspect to tonight's game: the championship clincher won't be decided by either of the team's aces. Frequently these Game 7 tests involve at least one team setting up their rotation schedule so that the team's ace gets the deciding game. In this game, two young, talented pitchers from the middle of each team's rotation will take the hill.
Matt Garza vs. Jon Lester. Assuming that the game doesn't turn into a scoring marathon, the liklihood is that one of these two young pitchers will make a name for himself as a big game pitcher. When a young starter clinches the championship, reputations are made. Yahoo's Jeff Passan poses this as Mr. Composed (Lester) versus Mr. Combustible (Garza). However, either pitcher might shed that label for a new one, depending on what happens in this game.
I notice that the Ray's manager has come under fire for assuming, after losing that 7-0 lead earlier, that his team will still get to the World Series. That seems silly to me. What is he supposed to say to his team, "oh, we don't have a chance now?" He is doing what any manager would do, that is, show confidence in his team. It is as if he is expected to follow the media's story line for this series.
What do you think each team needs to do to win this series? At this point, my answer seems to be, "the team which can play the best fundamental baseball." Not exactly going out on a limb. My only other observation is that the Rays' manager may need to do a better job of managing his bullpen.
If you have a take on this question, tell us now.
0 recs | 6 comments
Having your "Ace" on the mound
isn’t as big of a deal when you have a really good rotation like both of these teams have… and I don’t see how they could give Maddon shit about saying they would still make it to the WS.
I think the team who’s pitcher pitches lights out will win… I know that seems kind of obvious… but I think whichever of these two pitchers has an elite performance will win. I don’t think the offense will have much to do with this game
Stros Bro - October 19, 2008
Isn't it obvious?
The up and coming Rays are faltering under the pressure of the ALCS! While the veteran Red Sox, just DRIPPING with clubhouse leadership aren’t succumbing tho those same pratfalls. Varitek, Big Papi, Youk, maybe even Derek Jeter himself has snuck in to the clubhouse to give them a TRUE Yankee’s perspective and guidance. Oh, wait…that shit doesn’t really matter.
In all seriousness. These two teams are pretty evenly matched in my opinion. I predicted Rays in 6, but that was because of my semi-hatred of Boston…..the Rays won three games in a row over the Sawx. Who’s to say the Red Sox can’t do the same? I hope to God they don’t but, I wouldn’t put it past them. Again though, it’s a seven game series, so all you need to do is win 4 games. It doesn’t matter by how many. The Rays are going to have a big advantage in Run Differential, but that may not matter at the end of the day. The crap shoot continues, I guess.
Evan Hochschild - October 19, 2008
with a 3-1 lead, the Rays may be 1 inning away from the World Series.
Rays’ Price gets them out of a bases loaded jam in the 8th.
clack - October 19, 2008
This is one exciting game
Maybe the best of the post -season so far
Joe in Birmingham - October 19, 2008
Rays win 3-1
I’m happy
Joe in Birmingham - October 19, 2008
Rays win 3-1
I’m indifferent.
I guess I’m a little happy that neither the Red Sox, Cubs or Yankees are in the World Series… but it’s not like I care for either the Phillies or the Rays. One thing is for sure… Either Dan Wheeler or Brad Lidge will gain a World Series ring this year.
Stros Bro - October 19, 2008
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