Game 1 is almost here!

Here we go! Game 1 of the World Series is less than three hours away, and the majority of the "experts" are picking the Tampa Bay Rays to make short work of our Fightins, using such enlightened reasons as the National League "got smoked in interleague play" or "the difference between the leagues exposes the weak side of Philly's roster."

Well I've got news for those experts: The Phillies are going to win the World Series in six games, but hopefully just five games, so it happens in Philly.

More importantly, what is the weak side of the Phillies' roster? They hit well, using a balanced lineup, their starting pitchers match up well with the Rays' pitchers, and the Phillies bullpen is the best in the Majors.

I'm not sure what the weak side is, but nonetheless, just like in the NLCS, when most experts picked Manny Ramirez to play all nine positions and defeat the Phillies, the experts are picking the shiniest object they can see. For the World Series, that's the Rays, which are led by apparently the greatest young players of all time, Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton.

The experts must have forgotten that NLCS MVP Cole Hamels is the best pitcher in the playoffs, and could make three starts if necessary. The Phillies' bullpen is stronger than the Rays' bullpen, which is missing its closer, Troy Percival, due to injury. The Phillies also have Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Pat Burrell in their lineup, which the Rays are unable to match.

In the game 1 match-up, Cole Hamels goes up against Scott Kazmir (yes, the same pitcher that the Mets traded away for pretty much nothing). Hamels has been brilliant in all three of this starts this postseason, while Kazmir has been up and down in his three outings.

Kazmir has the ability to shut down lefties, which is bad for Utley and Howard, but the Phillies still have Rollins, Victorino, Burrell, and Jayson Werth from the right side.

Prediction: Phillies win 4-2. Cole Hamels tossing 7 strong innings.