Star Of The Game: James Shields Maybe it wasn't a vintage outing, but Rays starter James Shields provided the spark behind Thursday night's 4-2 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series at Tropicana Field. Shields, picking up his first postseason victory since the Game 1 ALDS win against the Chicago White Sox on Oct. 2, took a shutout two outs into the sixth inning before being lifted. Shields surrendered seven hits, walking two and striking out four, but he showed great resolve by stranding six runners in scoring position. ...more

October 24, 2008

Opting for his right-handed bat against lefty Scott Kazmir, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel went with backup catcher Chris Coste at DH and batted him eighth. ...more

October 23, 2008

The World Series and all of its trimmings may have been new, but the situation the Rays find themselves in today is not. ...more

October 23, 2008

Maybe because he is the elder of the group, James Shields knows not to be scared. ...more

October 23, 2008

Joe Maddon was pleased to discover nothing has changed in the Rays clubhouse prior to tonight's opening game of the World Series. That's just how he wants it. ...more

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 likely 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. ...more

October 22, 2008

The desire to keep James Shields from pitching on short rest is the reason Scott Kazmir will get the start tonight in Game 1 of the World Series, but all parties involved feel a lot better about it after the way Kazmir's last start unfolded. ...more

October 22, 2008

It began with another reputation-minting start from a 24-year-old in his first full season in the majors and ended with a national coming-out party for a 23-year-old who has just over a month in the big leagues. ...more

October 21, 2008

The Rays likely won't make it official until today, but Scott Kazmir is expected to get the ball to open Game 1 of the World Series. ...more

October 21, 2008

Much has been made of Matt Garza's improved resistance to pressure and adversity since a June confrontation on the mound with catcher Dioner Navarro. ...more

October 19, 2008