This World Series Might Suck!

As I watched the Philadelphia Phillies clinically put the Los Angeles Dodgers to sleep for 2008, I couldn't help, but think that should've been the Chicago Cubs. No, not the Cubs polishing off the winning touches, rather the Cubs getting outplayed and outdone by the Phillies in the NLCS. Yup, maybe I'm still a little bitter about the Cubs gagging against the Dodgers. However, I'm mature enough to admit that the best team in the National League is going to the World Series.

Deep sigh, that took a lot out of me. On the other side of the country the Tampa Bay Rays are putting on one hell of a demolition at the fate of the Boston Red Sox. They've outplayed the Red Sox in every facet of the game and left Fenway Park a morgue. The chatter about, well the Red Sox have been there before and have climbed out of worse holes is all you're hearing today. And maybe, by the time you read this – we'll be headed back to Tampa for a pressure cooker.

However, when all is said and done – yes, the Rays are a much, much better team than the Boston Red Sox. And in fact, they are the hands down best team in Baseball. Doesn't mean they'll sweep through the Phillies, but it means they'll certainly be the prohibitive favorites. So, even if by some divine intervention the Cubs would've been able to get past the Dodgers, get lucky against the Phillies – yes, the dream would've gone up in flames against the Rays. I can't picture it happening any other way, but there's always next year.

Well, aside from Baseball having probably the two best teams in the Fall Classic showcase…you have to wonder if that's a good thing? The short answer is a resounding NO! OK, maybe if you're a baseball purist you're licking your chops at the thought of a Phillies-Rays World Series. However, I can sure tell you that FOX is praying this one goes quickly and quietly into the night.

Fair or not, the Rays just don't bring the kind of lure to the table to draw average fans to tune into the World Series. Yes, that's just how the universe works – apologies Rays fans. Sure, they are young talent laden team with many a Superstar on the rise, but they simply have no history on their side. The Tropicana is just a giant space – nothing fancy or nothing that reeks of Baseball tradition. You do remember the lopsided ratings that the Marlins produced when they made it to the World Series twice in the span of a decade…right?

This is no knock on the immense fan base the Phillies will bring to the table. However, the saying goes – it takes two to tango. When the post-season match-ups were first introduced many were hoping for a Dodgers-Red Sox or Cubs-Red Sox or Phillies-Red Sox match-up. No, I'm not biased in anyway, but facts are facts the Red Sox bring in the draw. Let's not count out the Angels or White Sox, as most networks would have gone "goo-goo-ga-ga" over a White Sox-Cubs or Angels-Dodgers World Series.

OK, do you notice what's missing? Yup, the small market Brewers and Rays, which probably would've produced the lowest rated World Series ever. Breathe easy, that won't happen. However, take a deep sigh, because the Rays for as good as they are, will muck up this thing and cause interest to plummet. Are you really gonna watch? Sorry, but I'm not and I can sense the show of hands in agreement. Unless, you're fan of either team - this probably has pass written all over it.

Look, that's enough bashing on the Rays. It's not meant to discredit the team in anyway shape or form. Aside, from just the match-up alone – really hasn't this entire post-season just sucked or what? The first round wasn't even competitive – it was so non-interesting. What series was mildly intriguing on the field, other than maybe the Angels-Red Sox? Fast forward to the LCS and it's been two more blowouts.

The dream of the Cubs winning the World Series evaporated very early on, but that didn't have to mean the rest of the Playoffs would be a dud. Yes, I feel the virtual beer bottles that Phillies and Rays fans are throwing at me right now. However, seriously this has been one drama-less and lackluster post-season that's hardly been gripping and/or entertaining. So, why on earth would anyone expect the World Series to change the trend?

Yeah, maybe it goes seven dramatic games, but who will care? I doubt many people will even bother watching. So, cheers to whoever wins the coveted Championship – at least your fans will care about you. To reiterate, I'm not that bitter that the Cubs are gone. Not that bitter. Argh.