Rays/Sox
TB- healthy and rested, as you could see from their lack of urgency in the Detroit series…. While Chicago has played 3 different teams, 3 days in a row… and less than 2 days to prepare for the rays, while TB has been watching the tapes from both minny/cws for a week now… and are licking the chops for this game… which they have waited 11 years for
This is the one of the best fundamentally/defensive sound teams in baseball, against a HR hitting giant that has a lot of struggles pitching and especially w/ the pen. If they don’t put up runs, they don’t win.
If you look at teams that have to rely on the HR ball in the postseason, they generally don’t do to well. You have to win with defense/small ball, that’s how the sox got it done last year, and that’s the style TB plays.
The sox….hobble into this game with the majority of their starting rotation coming off outings in which they only had 3-4 days rest…. And some high pitch counts. Buehrle 111/121, Floyd 118/101
Yes, they are inexperienced for the most part, but they still have some veterans. Hinske, Percival, cliff Floyd, rocco baldelli…. But look at the “experience” on CWS-- Griff is 38 already has not been in the playoffs in 11 years. Lot of age on that WS roster and these last 2 weeks have to begin to take a toll on em
As far as game one, you get TB’s “best pitcher at home” this season, and is even sicker in day splits…. 7-1/2.49 ERA. against Vazquez, who if it had not been for the fact that the rotation is over-used and tired, he wouldn’t even be starting… and is 5-4 with a 4.36 ERA against TB this season.
One of the best, deepest, and most consistent pens in the MLB, against a shallow, inconsistent one anchored by thornton/janks. OD has been more limited and prone to give up the long ball, and linebrink is a gas can and can blow up at any time. TB has experience with Percival (if he can play, he was cleared to but its not for certain) and if needed, price to close- has been sick but is still a pup in his rookie year, but boasts a 1.93 ERA and 4-1 record. Lot of depth in the TB pen with some solid arms in balfour, miller, and wheeler (also can close in percivals absence if needed)
Slight edge to ozzie in the manager department, but maddon has certainly proven himself this year and has been a perfect fit for TB’s style of play.
Pinch hitting: Zobrist-hinske-willy aybar-baldelli. against ben Anderson-swisher (who has been in a huge slump lately). Edge to TB
Prediction: rays in 4.
