This figures to be an excellent ALCS and I’m predicting Tampa at $1.65 to start the series with a win.
If we start by looking at the stats from the regular season, Houston just wasn’t a good team at all.
They actually finished below .500 at just 29-31 and would’ve missed the playoffs in any other year.
Tampa had the best record in the American League this season, 11 games ahead at 40-20 with a +60-run difference.
I think Houston caught Oakland at a very fortunate time in the last round, while Tampa dealt with an excellent Yankees side.
The Rays figure to have a favourable pitching matchup here, with former Cy Young winner Blake Snell going against Frambler Valdez.
Houston has some hitters, but the Rays offence has been better this season and should be able to go after Valdez.
I think they carry on their high level of play from the divisional round and go 1 step closer to a world series berth.