"Between Yankee Stadium and Philly, it's going to be, I would have to say, probably one of the rowdiest World Series - just between the fans," he said Tuesday.

It sure will be if Howard and New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez start teeing off in their high-profile showdown.

For the first time in 20 years, the World Series will feature a pair of former home run champions when it opens tonight - weather permitting.

Big ace CC Sabathia pitches for the Yankees against fellow left-hander former Indians teammate Cliff Lee in a matchup of the last two American League Cy Young Award winners.

No player in the major leagues has been scrutinized more than A-Rod, a postseason star following a scandalous spring training that include a steroid admission and hip surgery.

And Howard has carried the defending champion Phillies every bit as much as Rodriguez has propelled the Yankees to their first Series appearance since 2003 - and the first of his career.

"Ryan, along with his power, he's also become a great hitter," Rodriguez said. "And that's bad news for the National League and bad news for us."

Rodriguez, 34, already has succeeded Reggie Jackson as the favorite Yankees target of amateur psychologists, who try to analyze past playoff flops and his relationships with Madonna last year and Kate Hudson this season. Now he wants to follow Mr. October as a champion.