The Sox have a great lineup, and some good pitchers. Especially relief pitchers. They're a team that puts up sneaky points from their closers. As any given night Joakim Soria can toss up 15, or Hoffman, Kevin Gregg, or Leo Nunez. Needless to say they lead the league in saves. It's worked for them, especially of late. Their pitching may not put up as many points as they usually do - they only have 1 2-start pitcher, his name? Brad 'Ain't Worth A' Penny. Not that not having 2-start pitchers automatically means you lose, as the Sox proved when they took on the Indians a few weeks back, but it certainly makes you feel more comfortable. They'll still get 1 start from studs like Becket and Lester, who have been on tears as of late. No to mention the newly acquired Johan Santana(who finds himself pitching against the Giants on Saturday). So, their pitching should be just fine. Their lineup, as usual, is going strong. Though, it would be nice if Kevin Youuuuuuuuukilis would stop charging the mound(and getting whooped, go Porcy!), so he could stay on the field. Though, the 2 Ramirez's, Manny and Alexei, are starting to heat up themselves.
The Rays, don't need much of a breakdown. You know what they bring. They bring studs like Miguel Cabrera, Hanley Ramirez, Jason Bay, Curtis Granderson, etc etc...as well as stellar pitching. They do what the #1 team does, win, and win big. They are a threat to put up 700 every week. The only thing currently holding these fellas back, is the killer loss they had last week. Losing by 3 points to the Yankees. Though, being as this is fantasy, and the players don't know who we are....I don't think it affects them. The Rays, like the Sox, don't have many 2-start candidates. One is Matt Garza(who pitched poorly Monday), and the rookie, Trevor Cahill. The Rays have hot pitching, just like the Sox too. Jered Weaver, and Derek Holland, just to name a few. They aren't household names like Lester, and Beckett, but they sure do the job just as good.
The Rays will need every point these boys will give, because I'm sure another close one is on hand for this week. Both teams operate about the same, top SP, terrific lineup, and a plethora of good RPs(set-up, or closers, they score about the same either way). I'm sure all of us would like to see a big battle. A match-up that combines over 1400 points would be sweet. I think these two can do it. They have done it in the past.
But, no matter how it ends up, I think the Rays will come out on top. I'm liking how most of their pitchers(not you Kazmir, and Garza) are on real good roles, so they will most likely continue the good pitching. Plus, how can you bet against this lineup?
Sure, the Red Sox are on a role, and have just as many pitchers on hot streaks, and have a great lineup too, but I'm feeling the Rays.
But, as usual, feel free to prove me wrong, Andy.