Jim Feist
(961) CHW White Sox
(962) TB Rays
Take "Under"
If the Rays had known that a change in name for 2008 would change their fortunes and end a decade of fumbling and bumbling, they might have done this ages ago. The previously know Devil Rays shortened their names and garnered their first ever divisional title and playoff spot. "Believe it or not, I kept on saying last year we had something special," said first baseman Carlos Pena, a grizzled veteran at age 30 who led the team with 30 home runs and 102 RBIs. The Rays occomplished this despite having the second lowest payroll on opening day. Their strong pitching staff (3.82 era) was third best in baseball. James Shields, today's starter, was a big reason for the excellent staff. Shields was 14-8 with a 3.56 era and went 10-3 with a 3.30 era his final 19 starts. At home he was almost unbeatable, going 9-2 with a 2.59 era. The White Sox trip to the post season wasn't as easy as the Rays. The Sox had to overcome a late slump, winning their final three games and a makeup on Monday against the Tigers just to force a one game playoff with the Twins on Tuesday. Jim Thome provided all the offense needed to propel the Sox to the ALDS with his solo home run in the 7th to catapult the Sox into the playoffs. "We bounce back every time we are against the wall," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. The White Sox will play the post season without arguably their best player, Carlos Quentin (broken wrist) and third baseman Joe Crede (back problems). Javier Vazquez starts today for Chicago against the Rays. Vazquez has been on a bad streak, losing his last three starts, allowing 18 eared runs in just 12 innings (13.50 era). Vazquez is 1-2 against the Rays this year with a 3.54 era and respectable .208 opponent batting average. This will be a well rested Rays staff going against a travel weary White Sox team. Look for the Sox to get little if any runs here in a low scoring game.
