2008 ALCS Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays

In a matchup of American League East Rivals, the division champion Tampa Bay Rays (97-65) face off against the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox (95-67) for the right to represent the A.L. in the World Series. The Rays closed out the Chicago White Sox in 4 games and owned MLB's best home record (57-24 at Tropicana Field). They took the season series 10-8, winning 8 out of 9 at home against Boston relying on excellent starting pitching and a lights-out bullpen to win the division. The Sox might have conceded the division to Tampa Bay but are a confident bunch heading into the ALCS after beating the Anaheim Angels handily.

LINEUP

Boston underwent an extreme makeover halfway into the season with the trade of Manny Ramirez. Ever since 2003, Ramirez and DH David Ortiz anchored the middle part of the order, tormenting pitchers with their majestic home runs and clutch, postseason hits time after time. Even though Ortiz is still here, he struggled all year with a wrist injury and simply was not the same hitter without Manny protecting him. AL MVP candidate 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis has filled in admirably, hitting .312 with 29 HR and 115 RBI. The 'Greek God of Walks' became more aggressive at the plate this season, bypassing the base on balls for more home runs and doubles. Fellow infielder and MVP candidate 2B Dustin Pedroia is coming off a tough division series against the Angels, but always seems to come up big at the right time. Look for 'Petey' to step up his game in this series. RF Jason Bay, acquired for Ramirez, has been better than advertised leading the Sox in postseason batting average (.412) as well as hitting two home runs in the first two games against the Halos. Bay has been a welcome addition to the clubhouse and continues to produce amidst his skeptics and doubters. CF Jacoby Ellsbury brings sparkling defense and elite speed on the basepaths. Whenever he is on base, opposing pitchers must account for him or pay the consequences. OF/1B Mark Kotsay steps into the lineup with 2007 World Series MVP 3B Mike Lowell out with a bad hip. Lowell's bat and gold-glove defense will be missed but the versatility of Youkilis and Kotsay gives Boston good fallback options. RF J.D. Drew will need to step up in Lowell's absence as he did in the division series with a game-winning HR off of Francisco Rodriguez in Game 2 of the ALDS. Rookie SS Jed Lowrie and C Jason Varitek round out the bottom of the lineup. Both came up with big hits in the clincher against the Angels. Tek had a key hit to set up their first run and Lowrie ended the series with his walkoff single.

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