World Series Notes

The DH Question:

Charlie Manuel hasn’t said much about who will be the designated hitter for the games in Tampa, so that leaves us to ponder the question.  Bob Ford covered the issue in today’s Inquirer, and says that Charlie has ruled out the possibility of Ryan Howard DH’ing during the series.  Against righties, I think it’s almost definite that Greg Dobbs will find his way into the line-up, either at third or as the DH.  Geoff Jenkins and Matt Stairs are also pretty good options to DH if Dobbs plays third. 

The options against lefties are not nearly as good.  The right-handed bats are basically just Eric Bruntlett and Chris Coste, who could be freed up to DH with the addition of catcher Lou Marson to the post-season roster.  So Charlie will basically have three options for Game 1: play Bruntlett (.217 BA on the year) in left field and DH Burrell, DH Coste (.107 BA in September), or DH Dobbs (9 out of 226 AB’s this year vs. lefties).  Luckily, one of the benefits of the ALCS going seven games is that the Rays’ only lefty starter, Scott Kazmir, will pitch Game 1.  That means Game 1 will be the only game of the series where the Phillies will face a lefty with the DH, as Kazmir’s next start will be Game 5 in Philly.

The Phillies Rotation:

Charlie has said that they will stick with the same rotation they’ve used in the first two rounds: Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Blanton.  That means Moyer will be in line to pitch Game 7, if necessary.  Personally, I would have flipped Moyer and Blanton, so that Blanton would be there in Game 7, but Charlie is obviously looking at Moyer’s two postseason starts so far as aberrations.  Right now, Moyer in Game 7 is a scary thought, but I’m ok with the decision.  He’s had a great year, he pitched well over the last couple of months of the season, and, with all his experience, he’s capable of putting those bad starts behind him and pitching well in this series.  If he blows up again in Game 3, options for Game 7 will have to be looked at, including pitching Blanton on three days rest. 

The X-Factor:

The Rays’ rookie phenom pitcher, David Price, may have taken over the closer’s role in Game 7 of the ALCS.  Their bullpen has been strong all season, but Dan Wheeler as a closer isn’t really going to scare anyone.  Price was the #1 pick in the draft last year and is looking like he was a good choice.  He’s got a high-90’s fastball, great slider, and throws strikes.  He’s the type of big, powerful left-hander that can make life very hard for hitters like Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.  If he can be a shut-down closer, and guys like Wheeler, J.P. Howell (2.22 ERA), and Grant Balfour (1.54 ERA) are setting him up, this Rays bullpen is outstanding.  I was rooting for the Rays in Game 7, but as I watched Price work in the 8th and 9th, I saw one of the Rays few weaknesses possibly disappearing.