After two chaotic games in Milwaukee, the World Series shifts to Tropicana Field for Game 3 on Monday night. Will coming home get the Tampa Bay Rays back on track, or will the Milwaukee Brewers move closer to the franchise's first title? ESPN's MLB experts break down what has impressed and surprised them so far, and what it means for the rest of the Fall Classic.
Most of the experts agree that Aaron Ashby has been the standout. Bradford Doolittle called him the overall MVP of the postseason, saying the decision isn't particularly close. He helped lock down tight leads in both Milwaukee victories. David Schoenfield also backed Ashby and suggested MLB consider a playoff-wide MVP award like the NHL's Conn Smythe Trophy. William Contreras has also stood out, with strong defense and 4-for-8 hitting with two RBIs, giving him a real case if Milwaukee closes out the series.
The Rays have been far less clean. Jorge Castillo noted that Tampa Bay has lacked strong starting pitching, clean baseball and steady pressure on opponents. Jeff Passan pointed to aggressive, and at times reckless, baserunning, along with uncharacteristic defensive mistakes. He said the Rays spent 162 regular-season games and the American League playoffs playing clean, and that they need to get back to that standard.
For Game 3, Castillo expects a pitchers' duel for about five innings between Robert Gasser and Freddy Peralta. Gasser has allowed one run in two postseason starts. Returning home, where the Rays share the majors' best home record, may help Tampa Bay slow the game down and find its rhythm.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing