Rays, Phillies getting ready to resume

UPDATE: 8:30: LHP J.P. Howell is the other pitcher warming up with RHP Grant Balfour.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said he is mulling 7-10 different matchup scenarios as the teams get ready to resume play in the World Series, and will have a plan "scripted" when the game starts at 8:37.

RHP Grant Balfour will be the Rays pitcher when the game resumes with the Phillies hitting in the bottom of the sixth, and Maddon will decide whether to let him proceed based on the who the Phillies use as a pinch-hitter for Cole Hamels, who is the first scheduled batter.

If they go to a lefty - such as Greg Dobbs, Geoff Jenkins, and Matt Stairs - the Rays could switch to a lefty pitcher. But that's not automatic, because the Rays would rather have a righty face the next two Philles hitters, Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth. So Balfour could stay in the game initially, and Maddon is hoping he can get the Phillies out 1-2-3.

"We need to get through this first inning,'' Maddon said. "One-two-three is optimal all the time, so we could really use a 1-2-3 first. Because that just gets us to Werth and there's no need for another pitcher.''

That's because the fourth and fifth Phillies hitter will be lefties Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, and the Rays would want to use a lefty for them. But the Rays pitcher is the fourth hitter up in the seventh, and Maddon would have to risk using one of his top lefties to face Utley and possibly Howard, then have to pinch-hit for them.

"Our pitcher hitting fourth presents a little bit of a dilemma,'' Maddon said. "The threat is to burn a pitcher for one out in their first inning that you don't want to burn.''

What it sounds like the Rays would like to do is get through the bottom of the sixth, then pinch-hit for the pitcher and make it a double-switch that would involve a new rightfielder - Gabe Gross, Eric Hinske or Ben Zobrst - taking over for Rocco Baldelli.

While Phillies manager Charlie Manuel didn't saw who he will use to pinch-hit, he did say his first reliever would be top set-up man Ryan Madson, and it is expected closer Brad Lidge will be used early.

And if you were wondering, there will be no national anthem performed before the game, but there will be a rendition of God Bless America.

Comments

[william goldman]

I WISH SOMEONE COULD ANSWER A QUESTION FOR ME. WHY DO SOME FOOTBALL PLAYERS,WHEN THEY SCORE A TOUCHDOWN,SIMPLY HAND THE BALL TO THE CLOSEST REFEREE, AND OTHERS LIKE THAT JERK TERRELL OWENS DO A DAMNED DANCE? THEY ACT AS IF THEY'VE NEVER BEEN IN THE END ZONE BEFORE.
ITS NOT NECESSARY TO "CALL ATTENTION TO YOURSELF." THE FANS SEE WHAT YOU DID.
I THINK PEOPLE LIKE OWENS IS A DISGRACE TO THE GAME, AND TO HIMSELF. NO WONDER HE'S SUCH A LOSER.

[Helene]

Bravesfan,

I've said it here before, and I'll say it again...BJ had a great postseason. He was one of the reasons the Rays got this far. But absolutely--the kid needs someone to coach him on situational hitting. Hope this is one of the things that gets addressed in the offseason.

[bball fan]

hay tampa -up yours!!!!

[BravesFan]

Just finished watching the end of Game 5. I am still trying to figure out what the Rays were thinking in the top of the 8th. You get a speed guy on base to lead off. Why is the next batter swinging at the first pitch? Does he recognize the situation and know that you have to take a couple of pitchs and let the guy steal? Why didn't the manager put on the take sign? Hasn't that guy (Upton) been hitting into double plays the entire world series? I just don't get it.

Ciao!

[JD]

Now you bandwagon jumping Rays fans can shut up. The Trop will be back to crowds of 12,000 nex year. Learn the rules of baseball, and when to cheer at a baseball game. Worst fans in baseball!

[Charlie G]

Unbelievably amazing and unforgettable season RAYS!! Thanks for everything!

[Let's Go Rays!]

2008 Rays are our team.

EVA LONGORIA IS #1.GO PHILS

[roger]

madson pitching. perfect. 3.00 ERA. Gave up one run in the WS. all we need is one run.

cowbells are cool.GO PHILS

[9equals8.com]

Madson and Lidge.... It's finally time to beat these guys. Although Lidge wouldn't earn a blown save if the Rays capture the lead. I would love to see them burn through some serious pitches with these two guys only to lead to a Rays win. They'll be tired for Game 6 at the Trop. GO RAYS!!!

GO PHILS...ALL THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT FOR YOUR PLANE RIDE TO FLORIDA! YOU'LL NEED TO BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM THROUGH SATURDAY. DON'T FORGET TO BRING EXTRA TISSUES. THOSE WHITE TOWELS YOU STOLE FROM THE STEELERS' TRADITION CAN BE USED IN A PINCH TO DRY YOUR TEARS, BUT THEY ARE KIND OF SCRATCHY.

[Go Rays]

GO RAYS
GO RAYS
GO RAYS
GO RAYS
GO RAYS

GO PHILS!!!!

GO PHILS