It's October and that means the World Series is upon us. I'm actually really excited and looking forward to this series. It could be one of those that looks like a huge mismatch on paper but could be closer then one might expect. What story is better? The Sox crazy comeback; being one game from elimination, or is it the Rockies and their amazing streak of 21 wins in the last 22 games? The obvious choice to win is Boston. They just have too much talent and are too good. Oh and did anyone mention that the Rockies are the NL representative? Also have you heard that the Rockies are on the longest layoff in post season history? Let’s take a look inside the numbers and the matchups shall we? Since I don’t care what the players did in the regular season I will only show the stats from this year’s playoff. Hope you enjoy.
Game 1: Beckett vs. Francis
Beckett has been unreal this postseason (3-0 1.17 ERA, 26/1 K/BB, .160 BAA, 0.61 WHIP, do I really need to say more?) and Francis has been equally good (2-0 2.13 ERA, 12/3 K/BB, .244 BAA, 1.11 WHIP). This game will be decided by if the young Rockies hitters can be patent and work the count with Beckett and also can the Boston bats stay back on the crafty Francis. Francis is really tough on lefties as evident by the 7 strikeouts that Chase Utley and Ryan Howard combined for in game 1 of the NLDS. Expect Bobby Kielty to get the start in right for the Sox. This game will be close until Francis leaves the game. Beckett should go 7+ strong innings and the Colorado bullpen being rusty and taking its first lumps of the post season eventually falling to the confident Red Sox.
Game 2: Schilling vs. Jimenez
This pitching matchup looks like a joke at first glance but actually Jimenez has outpitched Schilling in the postseason. Granted that Jimenez has faced the Phillies and the Diamondbacks where Schilling has faced better offenses in Cleveland and L.A.. I think that the Rockies will chip away at Schilling and Jimenez will have Boston guessing all night long. The Rockies are too young to understand what pressures they have on them and steal a game in Boston sending the series to Colorado tied at a game a piece.
Game 3: Fogg vs. Dice-K
I think this is a no brainer. Fogg has been nicknamed “The Dragon Slayer” and what better dragon to slay then the $103 million dollar Dice-K. If anyone thinks that Dice-K’s fastball will stay down in the zone and thus inside the park is crazy. Holliday and Atkins will feast on Matsuzaka’s missed pitches and Dice-K will have another hour to think about what he has done. 2-1 Rockies
Game 4: Cook vs. Beckett
Although the starters have not been named for this game as of print time I really think Tito will go with Beckett. This is the World Series and I would love to be able to pitch the Cy Young winner three times in a series. Beckett pitches well, Cook hasn't pitched in forever and Boston squares up the series at 2 games a piece.
Game 5: Francis vs.
With Wakefield left off the playoff roster the game 5 starter is unknown. No matter, Francis does what is needed of him and this game goes down to the wire again. This time Manny Corpus and friends slams the door on the Sox and the rowdy Colorado fans go nuts as the Rockies win in the 9th inning off of Hideki Okajima, Boston saved Papelbon to get rest because he has pitched in three games of the series already. Also during game 5 the Denver Broncos play the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. That game has temporarily been moved ahead to an early start time. It won’t matter because everyone will be watching this game.
Game 6: Schilling vs. Jimenez
Once again it’s the match up of young vs. old, only this time it is the old timer that gets the best of the youngins that the Rockies have and pitches a classic Curt Schilling playoff game performance. The Rockies have trouble with Schillings sinker all night long and we are going to an exciting game 7 in Boston.
Game 7: Beckett vs. Fogg
Does the Dragon Slayer have one more in him? Can Beckett keep up this amazing postseason run? Can the inexperienced Rockies win a game 7? Does Boston have enough left in the tank for one last game? These are just a few of the questions that surely be asked if this series does go 7 games. This game will be over in the early innings because of the Boston bats. Beckett has his worst start of the postseason, but that only means giving up three runs and Fogg doesn’t have an answer for the Boston crowd and the crew of Pedroia, Youkilis, Papi and Manny. Boston takes the game and wins a better than expected World Series.
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