Whereas the World Series features the ultimate games in baseball, Spring Training offers the least-significant, most forgettable contests of the sport. Still, whenever historical rivals face off, it is hard to not care.
Today, the 2008 AL Champs, the Tampa Bay Rays, will square off against the 2008 NL Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies, in a contest promising fewer stars, less rain, and no local television cameras. Let us call it World Series Lite, a rematch of sorts.
Toeing the mound for the Rays today will be young ace David Price, followed by Juan Cruz, Cesar Cabral, Jake McGee, and Cesar Ramos -- each fighting for a spot in the bullpen.
From the opposing dugout, Kyle Kendrick, Drew Naylor, Brian Bass, Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero, and Ryan Madson will make appearances.
The Rays Lineup per Gameday
Ben Zobrist 2B
Johnny Damon LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Matt Joyce RF
B.J. Upton CF
Dan Johnson 1B
John Jaso C
Elliot Johnson DH
Reid Brignac SS
The first pitch will be at around 1:05 pm EST, with the game available on WDAE 620 AM and online to MLB.tv subscribers (on the PHI vs. PIT feed).