MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 22 October 2008 / Leave a comment

Nick Shiambouros gives us the latest developments ahead of game one of the World Series, the most important in the Tampa Bay Rays' history.

Rays' manager Joe Maddon left it late to announce his rotation for game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday before selecting Scott Kazmir to pitch in the most important game (so far) in the Rays' history. Kazmir has a record of 12-8 and a ERA of 3.49 and has a good variety of pitches in his armoury including a decent fast ball and a wicked slider. He is well rested and I think he will remain calm under pressure.

The Philadelphia Phillies start Cole Hamels who is in sensational form with an ERA of just 1.23 in the postseason and this talented young pitcher will give the Rays plenty to think about.

It is crucial for the Rays to get to Hamels early as he is not a pitcher likely to falter with a lead so I think Tampa will swing the bat from the start in this one and try to get an early lead. At present both teams are trading at around the [2.0] mark. I think that [2.0] on the Rays at home is a reasonable price for a small wager .I would recommend treading carefully in this one though as this is a close match up and there will be better opportunities lying ahead throughout the Series.