ESPN

Joe Morgan

  (10:32 AM)

People were saying before the Boston series that Boston had all the experience in postseason play, and of course the players on the Rays did not have any. That didn't mean they were not capable before the seventh game--they just had not had the opportunity. Garza, Aybar, and the rest of the players performed very well under a seventh-game pressure. Obviously, the Rays will be a worthy opponent for the Phillies.

Matt (Pittsburgh)

Joe, who do you predict will win the World Series? The Rays have played consistently well and seem poised to be a great team over the next few years.

Joe Morgan

  (10:34 AM)

I think the Rays have the ability and homefield advantage, so they have to retain a slight edge. The Phillies this year have performed well in big-game situations. They seem to get the big hits whenever they have needed them. I think it's a tossup, but I'll give the edge to the Rays because of their homefield advantage. And remember, the World Series is a situation where one player on either team who is really hot can makel the difference.

Mac (Youngstown)

Joe, what did you think of Terry Francona's managing in Game 7? Specifically, I thought he should have pinch-hit for Varitek at some point. Tek hit that key homerun, but otherwise looked like he couldn't hit at all (he's already older than Johnny Bench was when he retired, and Bench was ten times the hitter Tek ever was).

Joe Morgan

  (10:36 AM)

He had been pinch-hitting for him earlier int he series, but after that game-winning home run, I guess he figured he might have one more good swing. But I don't think Francona did anything wrong managing that seventh game.

Dan (Detroit)

what do you make of the young Rays team? Are they playing above their heads or are they really this good?

Joe Morgan

  (10:37 AM)

I don't see how you can say that anyone plays above their heads when they have the best record in the league over a 162-game season, and then end up beating the former world champs in the playoffs. They have a lot of young talent, and they are stepping to the forefront. I expect them to be a very good team for a long period of time.

James (Chicago)

Do you think Manny Ramirez stays in LA?

Joe Morgan

  (10:39 AM)

That's a difficult question. I think it will be up to both him and the Dodgers. I know he would like to stay, and LA would like to keep him, but it depends on the size of offers from other contending teams. I don't think he'll go to a non-contender, so there are only two or three places other than LA that he could go. I think he will probably stay in LA, but no one knows what he will do except for Boras.

Aaron (Florida)

Do you think this Rays team is the best story we've seen in MLB in some time?

Joe Morgan

  (10:40 AM)

Stories are what we make of them. Everyone was talking about how big of a story Josh Hamilton was, for instance, but I think Jon Lester was a bigger one--his cancer was not self-inflicted, while Hamilton's problems were. It's a matter of perception and how you feel about each story. They obviously are a big story.

James (Chicago)

What do the Cubs need to do to get over the first round hump?

Joe Morgan

  (10:42 AM)

Play better! I actually thought they were going to end up in the World Series as the NL rep. They were the best team in the NL for most of the season. Obviously they didn't pitch, hit, or field well in the playoffs. In defense of the Cubs (and the Angels), both of those teams had great records and were knocked out, but I don't think a 5-game series is a proper measure for the first round. After playing 162 games, three out of five is not enough of a test. Both teams had the homefield advantage, but I still think seven games is a better measure of which team is better.

keith (NJ)

What do the Red Sox need to do for next season? Their pitching staff seemed to falter in the end.

Joe Morgan

  (10:43 AM)

They just need to stay healthy. Beckett wasn't completely healthy. Not that they should or would count on Schilling, but he was out for the whole season. They'll just need a healthy starting rotation. Remember, they went to the seventh game with the pitching staff beat up. They do need more help in the bullpen. But every team needs more pitching. It seems like power pitchers are more effective coming out of the bullpen in the postseason.

Joe Morgan

  (10:44 AM)

They also need a healthy Ortiz and Lowell. Lowell especially was a big loss for them. The Red Sox were not at full strength when they played the Rays.

Paul (Pittsburgh)

Do you think the Yankees will be back next season? How tough would the East be then with the Sox, Yanks and Rays?

Joe Morgan

  (10:45 AM)

That's one thing I mentioned on radio yesterday--the Rays have to take advantage of this opportunity, because next year there is no guarantee, even with their good young players, that they would make the playoffs. The Yankees will retool, Boston will be better, and don't forget about Toronto. They have the best starting pitching int he league. There is no guarantee that the Rays would get back there.

Jonny (NY)

Which playoff team do you think is best primed for another run next season?

Joe Morgan

  (10:46 AM)

Difficult to say, because so much changes from year to year. But I would say the Angels.

Gerald (Chicago)

Is it just a matter of money for CC? Any chance in your opinion that he stays in Milwaukee?

Joe Morgan

  (10:47 AM)

It's not just a matter of money--he will get all the money he wants. It'll be a matter of how many years he wants. Where he's comfortable won't necessarily be where he will go. He was obviously comfortable in Milwaukee and Cleveland. He has never really sought out big market places--that is not the most important thing to him.

Dan (Tampa)

Joe, do you think this Rays team will stay together for years? Or do you think free agency will tear it apart?

Joe Morgan

  (10:49 AM)

There's always a chance that free agency will force them to make choices on who they keep and let go. That's always a possibility. But most of them have a few more years before free agency, and they have signed Longoria to a long contract. They should be OK with the nucleus of their team for a while.

Dan (L.A.)

Do you think pitching has to be the biggest area of concern for the Cardinals this offseason?

Joe Morgan

  (10:51 AM)

Yes, but that is with every team. The Mets, for instance, finished out of the playoffs because of their starting pitching--same with the Cardinals. Milwaukee is the same way. They really only had Sabathia to count on by the end of the year. Sheets was hurt and has been so for much of his career. Starting pitching is the most important part of your staff. Everyone wants to talk about the bullpen, but starting pitching allows your bullpen to be effective.

Ricky (Freeport, MN)

Joe, Coming into this season how did you think the Rays were going to do? I don't think anyone picked them to do well.

Joe Morgan

  (10:52 AM)

I thought they would do well, but I didn't think they would win the division. I thought Boston was always the best team, then the Yankees, and then I figured they would finish third.

Joe Morgan

  (10:53 AM)

I'm looking forward to a great and fun World Series. Obviously it will be different without the Yankees, Boston, and other big name teams, but it will be very interesting--these are two fun and enjoyable teams.