It is amazing watching the analysis of the Rays-Phillies World Series.

   Some believe the Phillies have too much offense.

   Others are still in awe of the Rays' power display with 22 homers in this postseason.

   Will the Phillies' bullpen make the difference?

   The Rays will take it in seven because of pitching and defense.

   Bottom line, all this talk means nothing until Game 1 gets rolling.

   Opening games are always huge.  The Rays dropped their last opener, yet still had to go seven.

   But this opener appears key because Cole Hamels is easily Philadelphia's best starting pitcher.  The Rays can take major step by beating Hamels.  Hamels has been untouchable in postseason at 3-0 with 3 earned runs over 22 innings.

   Yet, the Rays disposed of another dominating young lefty in beating Jon Lester twice.

   The Rays need strong starting pitching throughout this World Series.  The Rays still aren't sure what they have in their bullpen.  The Rays close by committee.  The bullpen looked vulnerable late in the ALCS against Boston. 

   While the Phillies have a dangerous offense with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell...the Red Sox exhausted Rays pitchers by making every at-bat a marathon.  Think about all the long counts from Ortiz, Youkilis, Drew and Pedroia.  Will the Phillies hitters be that patient?

   The quicker the Phillies get into the Rays bullpen, the better their chances of winning the title.

   The other facinating note...the Rays owned the best home record in baseball.  And the Phillies had the best road record.

   Will the key be games 3 and 4 in Philly?  If so, I really like the Rays with Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine.

   The Rays win in 6.

   Al Keck