These days
Bostonians aren’t thinking about the “Curse”… the only thing on
their minds is that their beloved Red Sox are heading to the World
Series for the first time since 1986.
With their backs
up against the wall, the Sox prevailed and stunned the Yankees
coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS. By far, it was the one
of the greatest comebacks in sports history… but more importantly
for the Sox, it came against their biggest and most feared rival.
In their version
of the “Boston Massacre”, the Yankees pounded the Sox 19-8 in Game
3, to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the ALCS. The Yankees needed to
win just one more game… should they lose, they still had at least
three more opportunities to close the door and capture their 39th
pennant. The Red Sox rallied, winning two games on walk-off hits
from David Ortiz… Pedro prevailed, Schilling became available, and
Derek Lowe pitched a gem and the Sox were now on their way to the
World Series – and the “Curse,” well, we won’t know if it’s still
around.
As the Red Sox
celebrated, St. Louis looked to even up their series against the
Astros. They did, thanks to a Jim Edmonds walk-off homerun in the
bottom of the 12th… and a Game 7 awaited them on Thursday
night. Facing Roger Clemens, the Cards needed six innings to break
the game open when they erupted for three runs to take a 4-2 lead –
that’s all she wrote as the Cards closed the books on the Astros and
the Killer B’s… and head to their first World Series since 1987.
Everyone knows
that the Red Sox haven’t won a World Series since 1918… and the
Cardinals haven’t won a World Series since 1982. Both of these teams
have met in a World Series before – the first time in 1946, then
again in 1967. The Cardinals won both times, and both series went
the full seven games.
This World Series
will be a great one… and I give the upper hand right now to the
Cardinals. They have a strong lineup, which will really show during
their games in Fenway as the DH will be used… Boston on the other
hand will suffer when they head to St. Louis for Game 3 and 4
(possible Game 5) as they’ll lose the DH, which means David Ortiz
plays firstbase and becomes a very big liability in the Sox
infield.
The Cardinals infield committed one error this postseason. The
shortstops (St. Louis Edgar Renteria and Boston’s Orlando Cabrera)
are among the best in the game defensively, and both can hit. With
Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen, the Cardinals form one of the most
powerful corner combinations in the majors.
In the outfield,
the Cardinals and Red Sox have two experienced centerfielders, and
both defensively are tops in the game… with a few exceptions –
Edmonds had a pretty good arm, and so-so speed… while Johnny Damon
has great speed and no-arm. Both teams have excellent power coming
from Manny Ramirez and Larry Walker, but Walker is a far superior
defensive player… while Ramirez at times is seems aloof. Reggie
Sanders and Trot Nixon are both solid players, and each has pop in
their bats, and plays their positions extremely well.
Pitching wise,
both bullpens have gone above and beyond… The closers Keith Foulke
for the Sox and Jason Isringhausen have pitched effectively during
the post-season. Foulke hasn’t allowed an earned run in seven
post-season games (9-innings), and he’s given up just 3 hits, with 7
walks and 11 Ks. He’s 2-for-2 in save opportunities. Isringhausen
is 3-for-4 in save opportunities during this post-season, and in his
9 2/3 innings he’s given up 5 hits, while walking 6 and striking out
5… as for his ERA, that stands at a 4.66. Steve Kline is doubtful
for the series, but Dan Haren has become one of the Cardinals' most
reliable pitchers. Julian Tavarez is available, despite the broken
bones in his left-hand. Bronson Arroyo moves to the bullpen for
Boston, as Derek Lowe won a starting spot with his game of a game
against the Yankees in Game 7.
As for the
starters, the Cards Woody Williams was lights-out in allowing just
one hit in seven innings in Game 5 of the NLCS. He moved to the top
of the rotation, in part by default, because the others haven't been
as good. Matt Morris again wasn't able to put together two strong
games in succession. After pitching well and losing in Game 3 of the
first-round series, he didn't pitch as well but got no decision
while walking five in five innings in Game 2 of the NLCS, and he was
equally shaky in Game 6. Jason Marquis hasn’t won in his last six
starts, which included getting shelled in Game 2 of the NLDS… It’s
very possible that he’ll be skipped during the series, with Williams
getting the nod on 3-days rest for Game 4.
Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield gets the nod in Game 1, Curt Schilling
and Pedro Martinez will follow, and both are available to start two
games, if needed.
Overall, the Sox may look a bit better on paper, but the Cardinals
have an experienced manager in Tony LaRussa, who knows exactly when
to make his moves, and has plenty of surprises up his sleeve… As
for Boston, winning the Division Series and the League Championship
Series were certainly rewarding – but it’s the World Series that
really counts and this one will go seven… but to the Cardinals.
Boston
Red Sox
St.
Louis Cardinals
