Watch out Phillies here come the Rays

After a gut-wrenching Game 7 the Tampa Bay Rays pulled out the stops and beat the Red Sox last night 3-1. In effect the most overlooked team in baseball is heading to their first World Series. Personally, I didn't think the ALCS would go further than 6 games as Boston did pose quite the scare. I suppose such a threat was imminent given the fall month. Again and again the young, feisty and determined Florida team refuses to give up. Throughout the series up and down their lineup players have made contributions. Last night the reliable Willy Aybar who usually comes off the bench went 2-for-3 with his second homerun in the series. Helping sustain the offense Evan Longoria rocketed a RBI double to keep the Rays ahead in the 4th inning. The prized rookie third baseman had hit 4 homeruns in the series within consecutive games.

I have to applaud the Rays' efforts in the high-pressured atmosphere they found themselves in and how composed they were for such a young, inexperienced team. Then again with veterans such as Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, and Eric Hinske at the helm they have the leadership. Plus it certainly helped to playing at home for the final game. Since finishing the regular season with the best home record in baseball it definitely served as a major factor. Much of the Rays' success last night also hung on their starting pitcher's performance. Matt Garza looked superb against the tenacious Red Sox lineup, scattering only 2 hits and an earned run over 7 innings while

allowing 3 walks. The promising right-hander kept his team alive and held the opposing batters in check.

With Boston finally behind them Tampa Bay is set up for a historic match-up against the Phillies in the World Series. The two teams have never met in the Fall Classic since the Rays are making their first appearance. At this point despite favoring the National League I have root for Tampa Bay. All they have accomplished within a year, switching from having one of the worst records in the AL to having the second best in the league plus clinching home-field advantage is remarkable. If the Royals managed to duplicate the feat then there would likely be a hole ripped open in the baseball atmosphere as baseball followers would be beside themselves! Let's just say Yankees owner George Steinbreiner or Commissioner Bud Selig has a better chance at passing a kidney stone (if they haven't already) than for that to happen. Longoria will be a key element to the Rays' success in the WS with aid from team favorites Pena, Crawford, and Kazmir. I pick Tampa Bay to win it all in 6 games over the Phillies. With absolute certainty, come hell or high water there will be a new World Champion!