I've enlisted two Community Leaders, Devon Rodgers of the Tampa Bay Rays and Christian Karcole of the Philadelphia Phillies, to answer pertinent pitching questions facing their respective teams. The following is a 10 question Q&A breaking down the Rays and Phillies, pitching-wise.

Devon Rogers – Rays Co-Community Leader

RD: James Shields lost both of his starts in the ALCS but pitched well, posting a 3.46 ERA with nine strikeouts against five walks. What are some advantages of pitching Scott Kazmir in Game One over Shields?

DR: James Shields isn’t available for Game One, and I think that’s why they went with Kazmir. From a matchups standpoint, Hamels vs. Kazmir should be close, and we get the edge in Game Two with “Big Game James” against Brett Myers. Maddon won't pitch Shields in Game One on three days' rest because it is too risky when you have a guy like Kazmir ready to go on full rest.

RD: Through the ALDS and ALCS, the Rays have held the White Sox and Red Sox down with a combined team ERA of 3.52. Can their arms hold up against a potent and dangerous Phillies lineup?

DR: Almost all of the pitchers are experiencing playing more than 162 games for the first time. The young arms have held up until this point, so I think they should all be fine. Other than Troy Percival, all our pitchers were healthy down the stretch.

Every guy on the staff has been able to hold games in clutch situations and keep it close. With Maddon's philosophies, this will be just another series and our pitchers will show more of the same.

RD: The American public has now seen what David Price is all about, with his brilliant effort late in Game Seven of the ALCS. What kind of role does this phenom play in the World Series?

DR: DAVID PRICE WILL BE THE CLOSER IN THE WORLD SERIES. There, I said it. Price has nerves of steel and will not fold under pressure. Most rookies cannot perform under that much stress, but we have two that play like 10-year vets. Nothing can rattle Price.

If you can keep your calm when you are one out away from the World Series with the tying run at the plate, you can handle any situation. A huge amount of the recognition should go to a young catcher, Dioner Navarro. He was able to keep Price settled enough to record the final out. That shows leadership.

RD: Matt Garza was superb in the ALCS, going 2-0 with a minuscule 1.38 ERA, while striking out 14 and walking only six. Does the Fresno State alum pick up where he left off in his Game Three start in the World Series?

DR: Matt Garza has finally gotten his emotions under control. When he can keep control and Navarro can keep him calm, there is no stopping him. He could very well pick up the World Series MVP as well; he’s got great stuff, an absolute fireball for a fastball, and great breaking pitches to get people out.

Garza also doesn't let his mistakes get to him. After giving up the homer to Dustin Pedroia in Game Seven, he was able to keep his calm and pitch effectively. He is one of the toughest pitchers in baseball to hit, and he is our No. 3 starter.

RD: Grant Balfour (19.29 ERA) and Dan Wheeler (5.40 ERA), two of the most relied upon arms out of the Rays bullpen struggled mightily in the ALCS. Does Maddon still have confidence to use these guys in tight situations?

DR: Maddon will definitely have the confidence in Wheeler. I think it was just a slip up. Wheeler pitched amazingly well in Game Two, and for that alone he needs to be used. Balfour is another story. Knowing what Maddon tries to do, he will still try to use him in big situations, but that will be a mistake.

Over a long series, he becomes too hittable, and he doesn’t have great breaking stuff. Major-league hitters are used to high heat and will hit it after a while. He will be good in Games One, and Two, but not long after that.

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