Sox kick off their second World Series in 4 seasons after 3 impressive come from behind wins over the Tribe. When their backs were against the wall, they rose to the occasion. Beckett was masterful and guys up and down the lineup contributed. You know things are going your way when JD Drew crushes a grand slam to deep center. Fenway was absolutely electric and the Indians felt the pressure. Sox pitching kept them at bay allowing only 5 runs over the last 3 games. That’s very impressive considering each game was an elimination game.
Rock & Roll
Speaking of impressive, their World Series opponent is no slouch. The Rockies are absolutely rolling. Having won 21 of their last 22, and 14 of 15 just to get into the playoffs, this squad of “no-names” looks unstoppable. They’ll be looking to join the 2003 Marlins & 1987 Twins as the no-name teams that came out of nowhere.
Rockies Strengths
They are on an unprecedented & historic roll: 21-1
Confidence – they think they are a team of destiny
Holliday is one of the best players in the league
Formidable lineup – hit .280 during season, 4 guys with 24+ HR
Defense is outstanding
Pitching has been best in majors in 2nd half
Coors Field advantage – breaking balls staying flat & no DH in Sox lineup
Can the Rockies win the Series?
Absolutely. It’s going to take quite an effort to stop a team on that much of a roll. They have some great young talent and Holliday is an MVP candidate. The key to September is always pitching and they’ve been getting it. Their defense has been stellar and they don’t give teams second chances. Coors Field gives them a distinct advantage because the Sox can’t use a DH. Youkilis & Lowell have been huge and one will have to sit. There is also the psychological advantage of the thin air and breaking balls staying flat.
What can hurt the Rockies?
Starters: Despite their incredible roll, their competition hasn’t exactly been formidable. Facing Tony Clark as a clean-up hitter? They haven’t faced a deep lineup that will grind the count quite like the Sox. Only one of their starters has averaged more than 6 IP.
The 8 day layoff: Just ask last years Tigers team (6 day layoff) who lost to a clearly inferior Cardinals team with barely a .500 record during the season.
Josh Beckett: Recent performances combined with an 8 day layoff, it may seem like he’s pitching 200 miles an hour. Colorado confidence killer.
Fenway: October is nothing like June. As ready as they think they are, it’s a different animal. Ask Cleveland. The monkey is gone & you can feel it.
Vegas: They are 2-1 dogs. The folks in the desert tend to know a lot more than we do.
Game 1 is Pivotal
The Rockies are riding high but have had a long layoff. If Beckett is anywhere close to his recent performances, the Rockies hitters wouldn’t stand much of a chance anyway. It doesn’t matter how many “simulated” games you play. You need the real deal to remain sharp especially at the level the Sox have been playing at. If the Sox win game 1, that Rockies confidence is now shaken. The thought about the long layoff will be on their minds. Doubt in a Fenway Playoff environment spells doom.
If the Rockies manage to steal game 1, the confidence grows and puts huge pressure on Boston. Now 3 games in Colorado are daunting and game 2 becomes a must win.
Outcome
This will more than likely be a long series but the Sox should win for the same reason they did against the Indians – more pitching depth. While you can’t ever say Beckett is a virtual lock, you can surmise he’ll win games 1 & 5. That means the Sox only need to win one of games 2-3-4 to bring the series back to Boston 3-2. If this was anyone other than a 21-1 rolling team, the Sox would win hands down. Look for Colorado to be tough and hang around – but that all hinges on their pitching. Game 7 is a real possibility if they pitch well – especially at home. Expect the team with more experience and guile to pull thru. We could be looking at 2 banners in four years kids!
Good Luck Boys!
Go SOX!
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