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Rays: What To Watch

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By MARC LANCASTER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 22, 2008

PLAYER TO WATCH

EVAN LONGORIA

Seemingly born for the big stage, he'll be on it for the next week and a half. The Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year figures to continue holding down the cleanup spot for the Rays, who will hope he can continue his run of production in the ALCS that included seven extra-base hits. His defense at third base will be a factor, too. Even though the Phillies have some heavy hitters in their lineup, they tied for fourth in the majors in sacrifice bunts this season, so Longoria can expect to keep moving on the hot corner.

STARTING PITCHER TO WATCH

JAMES SHIELDS

The Rays' workhorse turned in a pair of solid starts against the Red Sox but was tagged with a pair of losses. You can bet those results are eating Shields up on the inside as he gears up to redeem himself against the Phillies. As always when the Rays send him to the mound, they know they'll get maximum effort and almost certainly be in the game when he departs. Now it's a matter of seeing whether he'll get a bit more run support this time around.

RELIEVER TO WATCH

DAVID PRICE

The secret weapon's cover is blown after his star-making performance closing out the ALCS clincher. The question now is whether the Rays bump him into a more prominent role for the World Series, and the answer should be obvious. Ryan Howard's slugging percentage is 150 points lower against lefties than righties, so he and Price should become acquainted with one another over the course of this series.

KEYS TO THE SERIES

NO EYES ON THE PRIZE

The pressure has been ratcheting up gradually since mid-September, but the Rays have responded every step of the way. They attribute their dexterity in handling just about every obstacle they face to their ability to brush aside both wins and losses and focus on that day's game. But that selective amnesia will be tested to the fullest in the coming days, with every move and countermove analyzed ad nauseam and every moment mined for hidden meanings. Composure has been crucial for the Rays this season. They must maintain it now.

PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS

The Rays and Red Sox were as familiar as opponents could be, with Game 7 their 25th meeting since April. Despite the scouting reports that have been deployed the last couple of days, the Rays don't know nearly as much about the Phillies. And they shouldn't let it matter. Tampa Bay has excelled all season by doing what it does best - throwing strikes, catching the ball, running the bases aggressively, taking pitches - and must continue to do so no matter what tack the Phillies take.

REDISCOVER RELIEF

Tampa Bay's relievers surrendered 11 runs in the ALCS after allowing only one in the division series against the White Sox. Obviously most of the damage was done in the Game 5 meltdown, but it's crucial for the Rays to keep the Phillies in check late in games. As was the case against Boston, the Rays' opponent boasts a shutdown closer (this time it's Brad Lidge), but Tampa Bay will rely on its depth and versatility in an effort to win the bullpen war.

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