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Of all the transformations that have taken place here in Tampa Bay, few are more striking than Tropicana Field going from a pit to the Pit.

The Tampa Bay Rays’ Rocco Baldelli, who was diagnosed recently with the relatively obscure mitochondrial disease, is an inspiration for children with the incurable disorder.

David Ortiz, the hero of so many Octobers for the Boston Red Sox, has driven in just one run in seven postseason games and has not hit a home run in his last 14.

In the quiet of a stunned Fenway Park, you could almost hear the Rays re-introducing themselves to New England as the champions of the American League East.

This October, managers have been particularly aggressive against the Red Sox, raising the question of whether teams feel the need to be more assertive against the big kids on the block.

When B. J. Upton’s sacrifice fly delivered pinch-runner Fernando Perez from the third base, the Rays prevailed, in 11 innings in Game 2 of the A.L.C.S.

The Red Sox’ Alex Cora is a backup, er, utility infielder who waits more than he plays. But like so many players who have made the ultimate difference in the playoffs, he must be ready to produce at a moment’s notice.

The American League Championship Series is about the storied Red Sox trying to subdue the storybook Rays, who took a long time to crawl from their first major league game to Friday night’s opener.

After finishing last in the American League East in each of the past three seasons, the Tampa Bay Rays’ patience — and league-low $44 million payroll — earned them an appearance in the A.L. Championship Series.

Without pitcher Josh Beckett, the Red Sox’ Manager Terry Francona has deputized the young Jon Lester, an ace-in-training.