THOME SENDS SOX TO TAMPA BAY

TAMPA BAY RAYS - LOOOOOOOKING GOOOOOOD!!!!!!


With one mighty swing, Jim Thome lifted the White Sox over the Twins and into the ALDS playoff series against the Rays.

I like this match-up for the Rays much better than the Twins. Both teams offenses have shown a tendency to disappear at times, but the Twins can manufacture runs better when they are not bopping the ball. The Sox experience under the heat of the playoffs could be a factor, but this is a team that has seemingly been playing the season on cruise control waiting to flip the switch once the playoffs begin.

The Sox are hurt missing Joe Crede at 3B and Carlos Quentin in LF. These two injuries may be too much for the pitching staff to overcome. Carl Crawford appears to be ready to return for the Rays, hopefully at full strength.

The pitching match-ups should be the key:
Kazmir, Garza and Shields/SonnanStine
vs.
Buerhle, Vasquez and Floyd/Danks

The series should be decided by the set up men and closers of the two teams:
The Rays staff of Trevor Miller, J.P. Howell and Jason Hammel, setting up the trio of Grant Balfour, Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival--if he is healthy--gives the Rays a bit of an depth advantage. The Sox offer Scott Linebrink, Matt Thornton and Ocatavio Dotel setting up the ninth inning for Bobby Jenks. The Sox set up men have been relatively inconsistent this season. That may tip the series in favor of the Rays.

Watch out if the Rays advance, especially if they do so easily over the Sox. They have played the Red Sox and the Angels very tough this year, both at home and on the road. If a scenario develops where the Rays sweep or win in four and the Sox-Angels go the distance, I like the Rays to advance to the Series, and hopefully face the Cubs. If that were the case, you might see Cubs fans treat the Rays as conquering heroes for eliminating the White Sox. Just don't expect the loving feeling to last for too long.

I like the Cubs to handle the Dodgers and the Brewers to bop the Phillies setting up a Midwest showdown in the NL between the Cubs and Milwaukee. If that develops, the Cubs advance to their first World Series in 100 years.