10* Rays +115
[SIZE=-1]These teams are remarkably evenly-matched and like the NLCS, there is no clear cut favorite. In those 18 head-to-head meetings this year, it has been a sea-saw battle with the Rays holding the edge 10-8. An interesting trend is the multiple series sweeps early in the year. Each team broke out the broom twice against the other during the first four three-game sets this season. Take a look at the results:
April 25-27 @ Tampa = Rays sweep
May 2-4 @ Boston = Sox sweep
June 3-5 @ Boston = Sox sweep
June 30-July 2 @ Tampa = Rays sweep
Sept. 8-10 @ Boston = Rays win 2 of 3
Sept. 15-17 @ Tampa = Rays win 2 of 3
This shows each teams’ inability to win on the road. The Rays did win four of six down the stretch in September with the Sox on their heels. We already know and recent (cough…Cubs) happenings continue to suggest that regular season success, even head-to-head doesn’t hold much water in October.
[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]Neither team holds a distinct advantage in the bullpen.
Prediction
Again, these teams are so evenly matched it should make for a great series. I think the Rays are playing possessed right now and the city is behind them for the first time. That could give them the boost they need to overcome the “experience factor” the Red Sox hold. That said, so many factors go into a seven-game series and this one seems destined to reach the maximum games needed for conclusion. The basement will come alive and the Rays will win it. Now give me some more of that Kool-Aid.
Rays in seven[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]These teams are remarkably evenly-matched and like the NLCS, there is no clear cut favorite. In those 18 head-to-head meetings this year, it has been a sea-saw battle with the Rays holding the edge 10-8. An interesting trend is the multiple series sweeps early in the year. Each team broke out the broom twice against the other during the first four three-game sets this season. Take a look at the results:
April 25-27 @ Tampa = Rays sweep
May 2-4 @ Boston = Sox sweep
June 3-5 @ Boston = Sox sweep
June 30-July 2 @ Tampa = Rays sweep
Sept. 8-10 @ Boston = Rays win 2 of 3
Sept. 15-17 @ Tampa = Rays win 2 of 3
This shows each teams’ inability to win on the road. The Rays did win four of six down the stretch in September with the Sox on their heels. We already know and recent (cough…Cubs) happenings continue to suggest that regular season success, even head-to-head doesn’t hold much water in October.
[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]Neither team holds a distinct advantage in the bullpen.
Prediction
Again, these teams are so evenly matched it should make for a great series. I think the Rays are playing possessed right now and the city is behind them for the first time. That could give them the boost they need to overcome the “experience factor” the Red Sox hold. That said, so many factors go into a seven-game series and this one seems destined to reach the maximum games needed for conclusion. The basement will come alive and the Rays will win it. Now give me some more of that Kool-Aid.
Rays in seven[/SIZE]
