You're Missing Out on a Great Series

(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.

(NEWSER) - Pat Burrell had two doubles and two RBIs to lead the Philadelphia Phillies past the San Francisco Giants 6-5 today for manager Charlie Manuel's 500th career victory. Shane Victorino had two hits and Carlos Ruiz homered for the Phillies. Philadelphia won in the bottom of the ninth when Geoff Jenkins hit a sharp grounder toward second base, allowing Ryan Howard. More»

Assuming Howard hits at all

(NEWSER) - The best reason to watch this World Series is that at some point, Ryan Howard will face David Price, and the game will probably be on the line, writes Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post. “That’s what you want to see,” says Jonny Gomes. “Power versus power in the World Series.” Both are homegrown stars and if you don’t know Price yet, you will. More»

Both league champions are full of next decade's superstars

(NEWSER) - The recent woes of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays belie what could be a truly classic World Series, the New York Times reports. With 13 of 16 starting position players under 30 and each team's ace only 24 years old, the future of baseball could be on display tonight at St. Petersburg’s domed Tropicana Field. More»

Former closer's only blemishes are three Chicago solo homers

(NEWSER) - Pat Burrell hit a two-run homer and had a tiebreaking double in the sixth, helping the Philadelphia Phillies snap the Chicago Cubs' five-game winning streak with a 5-3 victory Friday night. Brett Myers pitched eight strong innings to earn his first win since moving back into the starting rotation. Myers (1-1) allowed three runs on five hits and struck out five. More»