Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

5 Factors to Focus On in Series

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2008 2:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – The World Series starts tomorrow night, with two teams that might not be so familiar to viewers. With that in mind, John Lowe, writing in the Detroit Free Press, has prepared a list of five players or positions that could be game changers.

  • Centerfielders: The Phillies' Shane Victorino and the Rays' BJ Upton have great speed on offense and defense.

  • First base: Sure, Philadelphia's Ryan Howard led the league in homers, but Tampa's Carlos Pena is more effective at his position.
  • Brad Lidge: The Phillies' closer was perfect at saves this year, but some earlier hiccups could augur doom.
  • Tampa: Philadelphia hasn't played on turf this year, and that dome takes some getting used to
  • David Price: the Rays' rookie reliever shone in Game 7 of the ALCS; Will he be back?

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price.   (AP Photo)
A wroker puts up a World Series banner in the visitors' dugout at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.
A wroker puts up a World Series banner in the visitors' dugout at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.   (AP Photo)
Philadelphia Phillies players stretch during their workout at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. yesterday.
Philadelphia Phillies players stretch during their workout at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Philadelphia Phillies players and coaches examine Tropicana Field before their workout in St. Petersburg, Fla. today.
Philadelphia Phillies players and coaches examine Tropicana Field before their workout in St. Petersburg, Fla. today.   (AP Photo)
Philadelphia Phillies' Shane Victorino.
Philadelphia Phillies' Shane Victorino.   (AP Photo)
Tampa Bay Rays' Scott Kazmir, right, sprays B.J. Upton with champagne.
Tampa Bay Rays' Scott Kazmir, right, sprays B.J. Upton with champagne.   (AP Photo)
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard.   (AP Photo)
Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena.
Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena.   (AP Photo)
Philadelphia Phillies' Brad Lidge.
Philadelphia Phillies' Brad Lidge.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Phillies Win World Series

Brrr: Boys of Summer Brace for Winter

Fox Vetoes World Series Day Game

Rain Suspends Series Game 5

Howard Sparks Rout; Phillies Lead Series, 3-1


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne