World Series Rematch: This Time the Rays Win, and More

With the Rays weathering the brutal storm known as the Colorado Rockies, they finish the week 3-3, taking two of three from the Mets.

Some good things from this weekend, such as BJ Upton is starting to get back on track, batting 14/30 with two home runs and nine RBIs for the week.

Shields continues his excellent pitching, giving up only one run to the Mets, even if they are struggling. 

The bullpen continued pitching well, even though they gave up some runs to the Mets, they are still much improved from the beginning of the year. Howell is settling down in his new closer role. 

The Rays welcome the struggling Phillies into town for the beginning of the week and the cross-state rival Marlins for the weekend. It will be a fun World Series rematch for the Rays, especially since they won't have to face arch-nemesis Cole Hammels. Also, historically, the Rays have owned the Marlins. What to expect for the week:

1) BJ Upton to continue his hot hitting. The Phillies have one of the worst pitching staffs in the big leagues, and the Rays score the most runs in the big leagues. Everyone on the team will have a chance to get hits during this series. The Phillies only allowed less than five runs once last week. Historically the Rays have also owned the Marlins, so this could be a really good week for the Rays.

2) David Price to be tested. He faces Jamie Moyer today, and a really good Phillies lineup who likes to produce in every sort of way. With Ibanez on the DL and Rollins still struggling, Price might be able to give a good six or seven innings, depending on how many people he walks. He should take a few notes also from his counterpart, Jamie Moyer, during the game as well.

3) Matt Garza to get on track. Last year it was a fight with Navarro that sparked Garza to get his pitching act together, this year it might be his last little argument with pitching coach Jim Hickey. The two seemed to have a disagreement on the mound, but after their feud Garza gave up a hit then struck out the last two batters of the inning, perhaps Garza just likes confrontation.

Predictions:

The Rays will take two of three from the Phillies. Ryan Howard might not play on Tuesday, which could be devastating to a team who needs every batter in the lineup due to their struggling pitching staff. The Phillies exceptional road record frightens me a little, but I trust the Rays at the Trop where they have been playing well of late, winning 10 of their last 12. 

The Rays will sweep the Marlins. The Rays have already handled their business against the Marlins in Miami this year, and if they can get over the hurdle of Josh Johnson in the first game, I believe the Rays will sweep the Marlins. Quite frankly, the Marlins don't have a potent enough offense to keep up.

With all of this said the Red Sox play lowly Washington and Atlanta, while the Yankees also play Atlanta and the struggling Mets, who they have played well against this year. So the Rays will not gain any ground against the Red Sox, might even lose a game or two, and at most will gain a game on the Yankees. But, what matters most is that the Rays are playing well again, and the pieces are coming together at the right time.