For all the negative talk of bandwagon Rays fans, I don’t know of any other fanbase that boasts a washed up former Tag Team Champion as one of their biggest fans. Brian Knobbs is so dedicated he managed to get kicked out of Game 5 of the ALCS at Fenway. True dedication, for sure.

In a few hours, it’s James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA) vs. Brett Myers (10-13, 4.65 ERA). Historical stat junkies note the Phillies are in a good place because the team that wins Game 1 has won 10 of the last 11 World Series. Rays starter James Shields was 0-2 in the ALCS, and hasn’t lost three consecutive starts since losing four in a row from June 15 – July 1, 2007.

While much of the talk post-game 1 revolved around the 0-for-12, 5 K, two double play performance of Tampa’s Longoria, Pena and Upton, Philly’s trio of Burrell, Howard and Rollins combined for zero hits in 12 at bats with seven strike outs. Said trio is 2-for-9 with two RBI against Shields. Scary for Rays fans to know your team lost a game at home when three of Philly’s four offensive leaders were emphatically shut down.

I hope to god Knobbs travels to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4. He’ll get along just fine with the Philly faithful.

Local and National Linkies … …

Ryan Howard needs to get the bat off his shoulders.

B.J. Upton does not care about your hustle questions.

Some blacks are at the World Series, sayeth Yahoo.

The Rays might be too cool for their own good. I don’t buy it, but I linked it.