Instant Reaction: Rays To World Series!

Who would have thought? The Tampa Bay Rays, the doormat of MLB for the past 10 years, turns it all around and is heading to the Fall Classic. Wow.

First off, props to Boston for making it a series. At 3-1, I said it was over numerous times, despite what happened in 2004 and 2007. But the Sox did what what they have done before and made the series go the distance. But this time, the Rays had the answer, and his name is Matt Garza.

Just like Hamels for the Phils, Garza deserved every bit of the MVP award. 2-0 and with an ERA under 2 is downright sick for a first-time ALCS pitcher against the defending champs. Not to mention doing it in the biggest games. Game 3 in Boston where the winner takes the series lead and Game 7 where the winner moves on. Garza rebounded from Pedroia's homer in the first to shut down the Sox. Trading Delmon Young to the Twins for him seems like an amazing trade now huh?

And how bout those Rays batters? For most of them, this is their first postseason experience. But they don't play like it. They have smart at-bats. They go with pitches instead of pulling them. And they can hit the long ball. And they are doing it with a lineup that has players that were in the minors or high school just 5 years ago.

And how about Joe Maddon? The guy comes in to turn around a franchise with a ton of young talent but playing in the hardest division in baseball. And while the fans and critics would've given him the Manager Of The Year trophy if his team just achieved a winning record, he helps guide this team to an AL pennant. Just ridiculous. Seriously, this guy may now have a lifetime contract extension for what he has done.

Finally, as an Indians fan, I'm just glad to see the Rays did what the Indians could not. Not blow a 3-1 series lead. They came close but they closed the door. No doubt, this team does not have the best talent in the AL. But they believe they can win every game with what they have. And when they lose, they forget about it and move on to the next game. As loyal fan since day 1 and season-ticket holder Dick Vitale says, "IT'S AWESOME BABY!"