Oct 22 2008
World Series Power Rankings Rays vs Phillies Pitchers
Hamels was the MVP of the NLCS but he allowed 28 HR in the regular season, the longball could be a major problem. Photo:
Probable Starters:
Game 1 - Cole Hamels vs Scott Kazmir - Edge Phillies
Hamels has shown that he can win the big game but he does have a long ball problem. Kazmir being lefthanded should help against lefties Ryan Howard and Chase Utley but he has been inconsistent in going deep into ballgames.
Game 2 - Brett Myers vs James Shields - Edge Rays
Myers is the big wild card for Philadelphia. He can be absolutely dominant or absolutely terribile. Shields is a more steady performer and is pitching at home.
Game 3 - Jamie Moyer vs Matt Garza - Edge Rays
Moyer has been horrible in the postseason and the Rays righthanded hitters should annihilate him in Philadelphia. Charlie Manuel would do well to start Moyer and a reliever in the bullpen at the same time.
Game 4 - Joe Blanton vs Andy Sonnanstine - Edge Rays
Blanton struggled big time in the American League but is a steady pitcher who should be able to give Philadelphia some innings. Sonnanstine is hot but his stuff is not overwhelming. Two somewhat similar pitchers in that respect.
Bullpen - Grant Balfour, JP Howell, Dan Wheeler and Chad Bradford vs Chad Durbin, JC Romero, Scott Eyre and Ryan Madson - Edge Rays
While much has been made about Philadelphia’s bullpen success, Romero, Durbin and Eyre are decent but not the type of power arms that Tampa Bay has. Balfour should rebound from his ALCS demons and be a dominant late inning pitcher.
Closer - Brad Lidge vs David Price - Edge Rays
Many will dispute this choice but something about Lidge just doesn’t seem right when it comes to clutch performances. If it comes down to Lidge against Tampa Bay’s Upton, Longoria, and Pena the Rays have to like their chances. Price, who may or may not be used as the closer, is about as confident as a young pitcher can be and has the stuff to get the job done. As a lefthander he will be called upon to face Utley and Howard at some point in the series.
