by Jason Haskins

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The cool, crsip air has descended upon us and with it, the splintering of the ash bats of Major League Baseball. As we step into the League Championship Series of each round, let us take a look at the upcoming series between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays.

It was not long ago the Tampa Bay Rays had a stronghold on the cellar of the American League East. In fact, it was only last year. The last time a team went from worst to first and appeared in the World Series were the Atlanta Braves from the early 90s. The Rays, who some of you may remember as the Devil Rays, seem to be on the same course. They marched through the Division Series against the White Sox and seem primed to do the same against the Red Sox. They played the Red Sox well this year, even winning the season series, en route to winning the American League East for the first time in franchise history.

Tampa Bay has collected a fine assortment of young talent on this years team. The pitching staff is led by Scott Kazmir, who has been the ace of the staff for the past few years. He has battled injuries and even fatigue down the stretch, but he pitched well enough in a first round victory. Jamie Shields, Matt Garza, and Andy Sonnastine round out the rotation. All are young, and all enjoyed consistent years. It is the relief corps that will help make the difference. Though the starting pitchers are consistent, many times this year they failed to make it past the sixth inning. The case can be made with most teams in baseball today, but it seemed it was more so with the Rays. If the relievers can maintain their high level of domination, they have an excellent chance of surviving.

On offense, the team is also young. Evan Longoria is performing above expectations and will most likely win the Rookie of the Year award. Rocco Baldelli has returned from a career threatening virus and has playing his usual style of Charlie Hustlie-like play. Sprikle the youngsters in with BJ Upton, Carl Crawford, and the ageless Cliff Floyd, and you have a recipe for success. All 9 players can hit the ball well, including for power and average, and they make it tough for any pitcher to get them out.

On the opposite side of the field, the Boston Red Sox have lost some of the power they've displayed over the past few years. Gone are Manny Ramirez and a healthy David Ortiz. Ortiz hasn't been right all year, despite hitting nine home runs in September. He struggled in the ALDS and one can tell his wrist is still bothering him.

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