Wednesday, November 18, 2020
World Series 2020
By the time that this week's issue of The Times gets into your hands, there just might be a World Series champion. Game Six was set to go on Tuesday night in Arlington, Texas, at the Globe Life Field. That is the “neutral site” chosen by Major League Baseball to keep the COVID 19 at bay. Baseball has been affected by the pandemic, like all other activities throughout the world.
The Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Dodgers have alternated victories in this year's final. Even the lead has changed hands many times during each game. The “Cinerella Team” in the Series is from Florida, with a payroll that is miniscule compared to that of the Dodgers. Yet another one of the reasons that the casual baseball fan is rooting for the Rays.
There are several players on the Rays who garner our attention. Ji-Man Choi is a prime example. Born in Korea, he moved to the States to attend high school. He plays first base for the Rays, and has made many acrobatic plays this October. He has also provided some timely hitting, and has endeared himself to fans with his infectious smile. He stands at 6' 1”, and tips the scales at more than 260 pounds. He is the first Koren-born player to suit up in a World Series. Manager Kevin Cash recognized Choi's efforts: “He is a big part of our clubhouse, and we benefit from the energy that he brings on a daily basis”.
Randy Arozarena has broken several long-standing playoff records this year. He has more hits (27) this year than any other player, ever. He has proven to be the toughest “out” on the Rays. His dash from first base to home, including a serious tumble between third and the plate, was one of the most remarkable plays in World Series history. Randy hails from Cuba. Here is a tip on how to remember his name, and how to pronounce it: “roz” is rice, and “arena” is sand. I will leave that up to you. “Excuse me, waiter”, you might say, “there is sand in my rice!”
Kevin Kiermaierhas been patrolling the outfield for the Rays for several years. He has led the team in hitting in this series. He is a perennial Gold Globe recipient, and has shut down the Dodgers with his defense.
The Dodgers also have outstanding offensive talent. Corey Seager, Max Muncy, and Justin Turner have been responsible for many of the Dodger runs. In order to win in October, pitching is critical. Fortunately for the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw has pitched well. That has not always been the case, but he has not choked this year. He tossed 6 fine innings in Game One, and 5 2/3 innings in Game Five. He might be called upon to weave his magic in Game Seven, if it were to take place on Wednesday evening.
The only quality start that the Rays have had this post-season was Tyler Glasnow's trip to the mound in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers have countered with Walker Blueher, Julio Urias, and Kershaw.
“If we can somehow get a lead, and limit them, we've got some of the big boys in the back end of the bullpen who are ready to go,” added Kevin Cash.
The television ratings have not been good for this series. The Rays traditionally do not draw well in the ratings game. The game has had to contend with the political events taking place in the United States, as the Americans head to the polls to elect a president, senators, and others. We will see all of that business come to an end, thankfully, on November 3rd.
“Pass me the clicker, dear. The NFL season is now in full swing!”
James Hurst
October 27, 2020
