The time has arrived. Today, we have our first game of the World Series between two Davids in the Rays and Phillies. These unlikely participants are no slouches in fantasy circles. Loaded with promise now and potential for the future, these clubs have many years of success ahead of them. In a fantasy competition, which team would win out? Let's take a look.

Here is how the teams stack up at the fantasy positions...

1B

PHI Starter: Ryan Howard

Howard is one of the most feared hitters in the game and a huge second-half player. This season was no different, and Howard finished as the MLB leader in homers (48) and RBI (146). Still, his strikouts again approached 200 and the average (.251) is disappointing.

TB Starter: Carlos Pena

Left for dead a couple of seasons ago, Pena was given another chance with the Rays and thrived last season. This year was a bit more modest as expected, but Pena was still a great snag. Also a slow starter, Pena finished with 31 homers and over 100 RBI. His average was very similar to Howards.

Advantage: PHI ++

2B

PHI Starter: Chase Utley

Recognized as the best second basemen in fantasy today, Utley finished with 33 homers and over 100 RBI despite a dramatic slowdown in the second half.

TB Starter: B.J. Upton

Before you accuse me of fantasy idiocracy, realize we are talking fantasy here. In many formats, Upton still qualifies at second base and this is the spot the majority of teams still used him in. His power was way down this season but his speed was way up. If he doesn't do one, he has shown he can do the other. Now all he needs to do it put it all together. Upton's power being back in the playoffs is huge for his future. Even with his loss of eligibility next season, Upton has as much upside in keepers as anyone.

Advantage: Draw

SS

PHI Starter: Jimmy Rollins

One of the best in the game last year, Rollins fell back to earth this season. Still, he is elite at his position and one of the most valuable players to roll with right now. He can do a little bit of everything from this very sparce position.

TB Starter: Jason Bartlett

A very valuable player in real baseball, his defensive prowess doesn't help a lot in fantasy leagues. he is solid however and possesses good speed and average.

Advantage: PHI ++

3B

PHI Starter: Pedro Feliz

Much like Bartlett for the opposition, Feliz was an acquisition that had a lot to do with his defense. His upside is passed now at the age of 33.

TB Starter: Evan Longoria

Not much more you can say for this kid. Braunesque power shown with 27 homers in only 122 games. He hasn't slowed in the playoffs either and even possesses a little speed to help out your club. The sky is the limit

Advantage: TB ++

C

PHI Starter: Ruiz/Coste

Extremely low value here. Neither player is fantasy viable but Coste has a little more upside.

TB Starter: Dioner Navarro

A very solid prospect from LA, Navarro hit for a solid average this year over 400-plus at bats and had a little pop as well.

Advantage: TB +

OF

PHI Starters: Crawford, Upton, Baldelli and others

An outfield once overcrowded with the Dukes and Youngs of the world, the Rays did the right thing and diversified to improve their team as a whole. Still, there is some great talent up there and those three names are at the front. Crawford is a perrenial stud, Upton has more talent than anyone and Baldelli just needs health to shine. Gross and the aging Floyd have also had the time in the fantasy sun.

TB Starters: Burrell, Victorino, Werth and others

This star-studded outfield just got deeper this season with the emergence of Werth as an every day player. He just needed the opportunity becaue he showed this promise a few years ago with the Dodgers. With two other solid fantasy players, this outfield is offensively intimidating.

Advantage: PHI +

SP

PHI Starters: Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Blanton, Kendrick and others

A staff not as balanced as the Rays have, the Phillies carry the best single starter of the bunch in Cole Hamels. He is beyond just elite. Myers has the upside to be huge once again if he can straighten things out. Moyer, however, is almost done and lacks fantasy value while the other two are just decent.

TB Starters: Kazmir, Shields, Garza, Price, Sonnanstine, Jackson and others

One of the best young staffs in the game. Kazmir is dominant now that he is healthy, Shields has been amazingly consistent in his first two seasons, Garza huge since traded to Tampa and the others serviceable. Throw in the future upside of Price as the best of the bunch and you have a formidable team no matter the offense supporting them.

Advantage: TB +++

RP

PHI Bullpen: B. Lidge, Romero, Durbin and others

Not as many names on this list. Lidge is the star that carries this group. Didn't blow a save this season (41), Lidge also contributed a sub-two ERA and a great K/9 (11.94). His value alone pulls up this pen to above average. the set-up men are strong for holds but their other numbers aren't spectacular.

TB Bullpen: Balfour, Wheeler, Howell, Bradford, Price and others

Price also appears on this list because of the current usage of him as the closer. He is just nasty in that role and probably too good longterm to stay there. The pen has struggled but the statistics in ERA, K's and Saves/Holds are very strong. Throw in a guy like Howell who can get you holds as a SP, and you have a solid fantasy bullpen. Too bad Percival couldn't stay healthy

Advantage: TB +

AND THE WINNER IS... TB ++

The overall depth of the pitching in Tampa from a fantasy perspective is really what helped Tampa overcome the offense of the Phillies in my evaluation. What do you think? Regardless, a great fantasy team doesn't mean a World Series Championship. It will be great to watch!