AP Photo/Morry Gash

Javier Vazquez has struggled in big games, as his manager has been sure to point out.

Vazquez looks for redemption

By Mark Simon, ESPN Research

A look at Thursday's games:

White Sox at Rays

Ozzie Guillen has said that Javier Vazquez isn't a big-game pitcher. Yet Vazquez will be the White Sox's starter for Game 1 of the ALDS at Tampa Bay. Vazquez's September was interesting, to say the least. In his first three starts, he located his curveball for strikes and pitched very well. In his last three, his off-speed stuff was all over the place, and his pitches got pounded.

Vazquez, September 2008
	First three starts	Last three starts
W-L	2-1	0-3
ERA	1.83	13.50
BA against	.188	.340
Curveball strike pct	57.7	45.2

Source: Inside Edge

Brewers at Phillies

The Brewers will look to get settled in Game 2 with CC Sabathia back on the mound. Sabathia was as good in his most recent start of the season as Cole Hamels was in Game 1 of the NLDS when he pitched eight strong innings against Milwaukee. Sabathia has been fantastic on three days' rest in his past three starts and will hope to avoid the form that resulted in a 10.45 ERA in two starts against the Red Sox in last year's ALCS.

Sabathia on three days' rest, 2008
W-L	2-1
ERA	0.83
BA against	.195
IP-K	21 2/3-21

The Cubs and Dodgers don't quite know what they'll get out of their starters in Game 2 of their NLDS. Yes, Chad Billingsley is unbeaten in his past five starts, but the numbers show he's been very hittable. Likewise, Carlos Zambrano, despite tossing a no-hitter, has struggled in the rest of his recent outings. Those inconsistencies can drive managers crazy.

Billingsley, Zambrano (past five starts)
W-L	4-0	1-1
ERA	3.30	8.03
BA against	.303	.232

Past Baseball Tonight Clubhouses: Sept. 28 | Sept. 25 | Sept. 24 | Sept. 23 | Sept. 22 | Sept. 21

RAYS NEED TO STAY CALM AMID EXCITEMENT

By Eric Young, ESPN

The key to the Tampa Bay Rays winning this ALDS with the White Sox is for them to continue to play at the level they've been playing at the whole year. Rays manager Joe Maddon has a World Series under his belt from his time with the Angels as their longtime bench coach. He knows exactly what it takes to win and he knows the intensity level that his team will need to reach in order to be successful in the postseason.

My concern for the Rays is their closer situation with Troy Percival being hurt. Another guy may have to step into the role if Percival's back acts up. If that happens, it'll be a guy who hasn't had a great deal of experience. There's going to be a lot of pressure, so it will be up to Percival's replacements to answer the bell.

As long as the Rays are able to get off to a quick start in Game 1, they will be OK. They can't let a veteran club like the White Sox grab Game 1 in Tampa Bay because Chicago then will ultimately have the upper hand in the series. Luckily, the Rays hold the best home record in the majors and have home-field advantage in this series. Another advantage the Rays have over the White Sox is their bench. Tampa Bay was able to push through the season to clinch the AL East title without the likes of Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria. The Rays' experienced bench will be the key throughout the chase for the AL pennant.

It's also important for the Rays not to become overwhelmed by the excitement that comes with being in the postseason. I know Maddon will do a great job of keeping the team grounded.