2020 World Series: A Conversation with a Rays Fan

The 2020 World Series is here. The Tampa Bay Rays represent the American League. They were able to take down the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Astros, winning their first AL Pennant since 2008. In the National League, the Dodgers were able to defeat the Brewers, Padres, and come back from a 3-1 deficit to the Braves. They will be making their third World Series appearance in the last four years. As a Dodger fan, I am looking forward to a great back-and-forth series, as these two super teams screaming with talent come face to face. Tyler Gobel, a die-hard Rays fan and a Junior here at OP, is also excited to see what this matchup has in store for the viewers. I sat down with him the other day for a Q&A to hear his take on this year’s World Series:

Q: What do you expect from both sides in this series?

A: I expect a good series from both sides, with the strong offense Dodger and the Rays’ stellar outfield set it will be a fun one to watch.

Q: For those who don’t know, why did you become a Rays fan?

A: I became a rays fan after I went on vacation to Florida going into sophomore year, I happened to go to a Rays vs. Mariners game and instantly fell in love with the team and environment.

Q: Who’s your favorite player?

A: My favorite player is by far Kevin Kiermaier.

Q: What is your favorite memory so far from this postseason?

A: Seeing Mike Brosseau send one over the fence in left to beat the Yankees in Game 7 was one moment that I will never forget.

Q: What do you think is the Rays’ biggest advantage over the Dodgers?

A: Outfield strength is our biggest asset here, with 3x Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier in center with Randy Arozarena and Manuel Margot beside him.

Q: Biggest weakness?

A: Biggest weakness is putting the bat on the ball, a few of our guys haven’t been producing as much as we’ve liked recently.

Q: Final World Series Prediction?

A: I think it will be the Dodgers in 6 games.

Q: MVP?

A: Mookie Betts will be the MVP.