World Series preview

Phillies: Chase Utley

The other left-handed slugger in the Phillies’ lineup, Utley is probably the most consistent hitter Philadelphia has. He hit .353 in the NLCS, and it’s difficult to imagine the Rays keeping him quiet for the entire series.

Edge: Phillies

SHORTSTOP

Rays: Jason Bartlett

He’s the less-heralded half of the package Tampa Bay got from the Minnesota Twins last winter, taking a back seat to Matt Garza. But Bartlett is a steady hitter with decent range who will be a fixture at the position for several years.

Phillies: Jimmy Rollins

Injuries have limited Rollins for much of the season, and he hasn’t been the same player he was during his 2007 MVP season. He hit .375 in the Phillies’ NLDS win over the Brewers but only batted .143 in the NLCS. Still, he’s a disruptive force at the top of Philadelphia’s lineup.

Edge: Phillies

THIRD BASE

Rays: Evan Longoria

The presumptive AL Rookie of the Year also struggles against left-handers (he hit .242 against them compared to .284 against righties), so expect Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer to bait him with offspeed pitches. How he handles lefties will be key.

Phillies: Pedro Feliz

Feliz’s first season in Philadelphia has been disappointing — his production was off from what he usually did in San Francisco, and he has never been able to contribute much when he’s not hitting, as was the case in the NLCS.

Edge: Rays

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