2008 World Series Begins October 22nd

The 2008 World Series will be the 104th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff will be played between the respective champions of the National League and the American League. The National League will be represented by the Philadelphia Phillies. The American League will be represented by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Series is scheduled to start on Wednesday, October 22, 2008; if necessary, Game 7 will take place on Thursday, October 30. The games will be broadcasted on FOX. Thanks to the American League's 4–3 win in the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the Rays will receive home field advantage. Game 1 will begin at Tropicana Field in ST. Petersburg, Florida Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. (Est).

For many Phillies, Monday was their first time inside the Rays' domed ballpark, which is why Manager Charlie Manuel wanted to hold a workout a day before Tuesday's mandatory session. The team had not played at Tropicana Field since 2001, and only Pat Burrell and Rollins remain from then. Matt Stairs, whose 43 career games at Tropicana Field are by far the most among current Phillies, said he planned to talk with his teammates about the park's nuances, though they seemed quick studies Monday. According to the Phillies website Rollins said that the ball took a sharper hop than it did off natural grass, adding that he expected that to diminish once the grounds crew watered down the infield dirt.

The Philadelphia Phillies advanced to the World Series after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League's Divisional and Championship Series, respectively. The team won its position in the playoffs after its second consecutive National League East title. This is the Phillies' first World Series appearance in fifteen years. The Phillies have the thirteenth-highest payroll in Major League Baseball for 2008.

The Tampa Bay Rays advanced to the World Series after defeating the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox in the American League's Division and Championship Series, respectively. The team earned its first trip to the post-season in franchise history after winning the American League East title, one season after finishing in last place. The Rays have the second-lowest payroll in Major League Baseball for 2008.

MANAGERS FOR THE WORLD SERIES:

Charlie Manuel managed the Philadelphia Phillies to a 92-70 record, .568, NL East Championship.

Joe Maddon managed the Tamp Bay Rays to a 97-65 record, .599, AL East Championship. Both coaches are well liked and have done an outstanding job managing their teams throughout the regular season and the post-season.

PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS:
Cole Hamels for the Phillies

Scott Kazmir for the Rays

Now for my personal prediction........ I am predicting that the Tampa Bay Rays win the World Series in 6 games. I have enjoyed following the Rays this season and because they were the underdog I was rooting them on. Their determination and strive to win was awesome to watch. They have so many young guys on their team yet they play like a veteran team. They have always kept the faith and they have a strong manager behind them supporting them all the way. Also the fact that they beat the Red Sox was amazing! My husband and I were going to crazy watching that game. Matt Garza had a great night pitching and the whole team came together as a whole. That was wonderful baseball, go Rays!!

~LF