World Series picks

Note: All picks below were made prior to the first game of the World Series.

Hey all,

Following the genius of Carnac, I'm laying down a one-week rule: This week's picks have to be World Series picks. And I don't mean World Series of Australian Rules Duck-Duck-Goose or FIFA/CONCAFAFACFAFAC soccer.

You're on the line for a Phillies/Rays World Series pick. Choose whichever game you want, factoring in the pitchers, catchers, DHs, home-field advantage, Phanatic mojo—whatever, it's your call. — John


Boy, you sure are keen on regulating even the minutest aspect of daily life. Ever think about running for office? But I digress…

Game 2, Thursday Oct 23: James Shields gets shelled, but feels OK knowing he’s not Brett Myers, who gets shelled more. Rays win 9-7. — Kurt


May I pick there will be at least 4 games? — Phil


You may if you can name the four combined Hall of Famers from the Phillies' 1950 and 1980 World Series teams. There were 2 each. No internet checking, but you can ask your co-workers. — John


My guess (I’m going for extra credit points…): Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts; Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton. — Kurt


Give that man extra credit points! You get to watch the game tonight for free! — John


I wish…. My cable system doesn’t carry cricket matches. — Kurt


Hard to believe that less than 1 1⁄2 years ago (April 18, 2007), Charlie Manuel challenged the Burger King character and 610 WIP host, Howard Eskin, to a fight. Eskin’s constant criticism of Manuel had finally come to a head after an 8-1 loss to the New York Mets, when Eskin challenged Manuel on the lack of emotion demonstrated during and after the game. Eskin’s question? “Don't you think it would help your players if they saw you fired up a bit more?”

Fast-forward to today: The Phillies have outplayed the Mets for the National League East lead two years in a row. Not only that, but this year the Phillies have fought their way through the playoffs and now find themselves in the 2008 WORLD SERIES—the first appearance since 1993. Manuel has rallied his team to the pinnacle of baseball.

Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard are going to step up and play exceptional baseball this round, providing that extra boost to the beginning of the batting order. Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino and company will continue their great playoff efforts. Pitching will remain consistent, and let's not forget that the Phillies have something the Rays don’t: a closer. The Philly Phanatic will continue the antics—unmatchable! And finally, Manuel will do what Terry Francona, manager of the Boston Red Sox, was unable to do, and that’s beat the Rays in six games and give this city something it hasn’t had since 1980—World Series Champions!!! Phillies win game 1, 3, 4, and 6.

Enough “fire” for you, Eskin? — Troy V. of Yardley


That's a well-researched, well-thought-out pick—and it comes with a Burger King reference, too! What's not to love about it. — John


Phillies = political harbinger? Consider: Every time the Phillies win the World Series, a Republican wins the White House. — Kurt


I believe I told Phil 6 months ago that there was going to be a parade down Broad Street for our 2008 Philadelphia Phillies. However, I am worried about this series. The Rays come out of the best division in baseball and the best league in baseball. The experts keep waiting for them to fail yet they keep winning. With that being said, I am still predicting the Phillies in 7 games, with Jamie Moyer picking up wins in games 3 and 7. The young Rays will struggle with his off-speed stuff, much the way Moyer has dominated the Florida Marlins over the years. I have no faith in Myers winning a game, so Moyer is the key. — Dave


My pick makes it unanimous: Phillies in 6 and a winter of warm memories! — John