Sports Perspectives

I don’t know who will win the World Series and I don’t have to charge $4.99 a minute to tell you this.

ESP inabilities aside, compelling arguments can be constructed for either team. The Rays probably have more depth from top to bottom in pitching. When you can hurl Matt Garza third in the rotation at your opponent things are pretty good for you. Although the Phillies probably have the best starter in Hamels (3-0 1.23 era) and closer in Lidge (five saves and 1.23 era).

Offensively, the Rays have a solid core of hitters in the middle of the line up. Upton (.304 avg., .826 slg.) and Longoria (.262/.762) have 13 home runs between them. One could argue they are due for a slump?

On the flip side, Howard has to explode at some point. Hitting .258 and a limp .323 slugging, Howard has zero home runs this post season. One has to figure he’s the ace in the Phillies sleeve. Same with Utley who has but one home run and is hitting .250. His slugging is around .438. If the Phils are to have a chance they need more production from both. Either can be an MVP candidate in the finals.

Is that an MVP in the sky?

In the brain center known as the dug out, both have great managers and each organization has built remarkably balanced baseball teams.

Who says you need to buy a World Series when you can develop from the bottom up? Then again, that would take too much time, effort and patience. In a me-first, give me everything now type world, sound principles to create a winning organization and environment is usually the first casualty.

It’s almost a shame only one can win, but seriously, this has been a successful season for the Rays and Phillies no matter what.