World Series Preview

Philadelphia Phillies
National League ChampionsFor the first time in 15 years, the Philadelphia Phillies are representing the National League in this year's Fall Classic.

The Phillies eliminated the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games to win the N.L. Championship series, boosting their playoff record to 8-2 behind left-handed ace Cole Hamels and an explosive offensive lineup that scored runs in bunches through two postseason rounds.

When it hasn't put up big numbers, the Phillies offense struggled. After leading the regular season in HR and RBI, cleanup hitter Ryan Howard has hit .200 with no home runs and 3 RBI. Leadoff batter Jimmy Rollins hit .143 in the NLCS.

The team's offensive strength has come from centerfielder Shane Victorino, batting .293 with 2 HR and 11 RBI. Late-season acquisition Matt Stairs hit a pinch-hit, game-winning, two-run home run in game four against Los Angeles.

Hamels, the NLCS MVP, posted a postseason-best 1.23 ERA and struck out 22 en route to his game one World Series start.

Brett Myers made more noise as a hitter than he did as a starter in the postseason's early rounds, batting 1.000 with 3 RBI and two walks against Milwaukee Brewers ace C.C. Sabbathia in the NLDS. On the mound, Myers went 2-0 with a 5.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts.

Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer round out Philadelphia's rotation. Blanton won the clinching game of the NLDS. After leading the Phillies staff with 16 wins, Moyer has struggled this postseason with two losses and a 13.50 ERA.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge did not blow a save in the regular season, and his success has continued into postseason play. The Phillies bullpen entered postseason play with a league-best 3.19 ERA.

Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel lost his mother, June, during the NLCS. Manuel and the Phillies struggled against American League teams this season, going 4-11 against American League teams in interleague play.

Tampa Bay Rays
American League Champions

Ever since the Tampa Bay Rays became a Major League Baseball franchise in 1998, the team has suffered through 10 straight losing seasons. With a weak farm system and millions spent on free agents that never produced, the Rays Finished dead last in the American League East nine of out 10 times.

Well, In this 2008 season, the Rays are contenders and continue to defy conventional baseball wisdom. After finishing with the worst record in the majors last season 66-96, the Rays went 97-65, won the American League East in the regular season and areplaying in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Rays defeated their AL East counterparts and defending league champion Boston Red Sox in seven games to win the American League Championship Series.

The team's strong point and the reason for such a dramatic turnaround this season is the pitching staff. The rotation ranked second in the AL in earned run average to the Toronto Blue Jays during the regular season. During the ALCS, the staff had a 3.09 ERA against the vaunted Red Sox lineup.

The oldest starter on the roster is 26-year-old James Shields, who has been labeled by teammates as "Big Game James." Game 1 starter 24-year old lefty Scott Kazmir is the most experienced starting pitcher. Matt Garza, the ALCS MVP, is 2-1 this postseason after pitching seven strong innings in the Game 7 win over Boston.

Twenty-three-year-old lefthander David Price, the team's 2007 No. 1 draft pick, gave depth to the bullpen ever since being called up from the minors in September. He showed his potential for the future by getting the last four outs in the Game 7 win to clinch the pennant.

Its combination of youth, power, and speed has led the team all year. Leftfielder Carl Crawford, the longest-tenured Ray, stole 44 bases this season. Rookie thirdbaseman Evan Longoria was the offensive catalyst with 27 home runs and 85 runs batted in.