| Rays | Category | Phillies | Reason |
| Phillies | Hitting | The Phillies have enough depth to score without relying on power from Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. Timing could be an issue early because of weeklong layoff. | |
| Pitching | Rays | The Phillies have an efficient bullpen with a lights-out closer in Brad Lidge. No. 1 starter Cole Hamels is the key, but Jamie Moyer must rebound. But I’d match the Rays' rotation against anyone. Price might be right as closer. | |
| Phillies | Defense | The Phillies pitch to contact, putting pressure on a solid infield. Pitchers trust catcher and unsung hero Carlos Ruiz. The Rays got here on defense, but it became an issue in the ALCS. | |
| Manager | Rays | Heavy-hearted Charlie Manuel came through on early promise of Phillies advancing farther than in ’07. He keeps it simple and feels the team pulse in every situation. Preparation is an asset for the Rays' Joe Maddon, who exudes control and decisiveness. | |
| Intangibles | Rays | The Phillies will try to erase the sour memories of 1993 with their balanced and poised team. An extra bat as a DH in the AL park will help. The Team of Destiny has the Trop, the cowbells, and the desire to prove to anyone that the Rays are here to stay. |
Jose's Pick is the RAYS. With home-field advantage, thanks in part to All-Star Game winner Scott Kazmir, the Rays will be hard to stop. The story of last-to-first playing in the tough A.L. East is too good to come to an end. Rays in 6 games.
Yahoo! Sports Experts Pick:
Tampa Bay Rays
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