Pretty big game tonight.
Tim Marchman in the New York Sun comes up with this when describing the Sox lineup going into the ALDS;
''The Red Sox's methods are not eclectic; they bludgeon pitchers with a set lineup consisting of well-rounded hitters and anchored by the monstrous David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez''
It's true, they are quasi monstrous. Marchman also warns that although the pitching matchup looks great tonight;
'' It could also be a thrashing—Lackey gave up 10 runs in 9.2 innings in Fenway this year and has a 6.27 ERA against Boston in a career that's been short enough for that to be relevant.''
Finally he makes one fascinating point which could be one of those little details behind the scenes that becomes a huge factor in the series;
'' Much will be made, especially given Ortiz's looming presence, of the team's lack of a reliable lefty — former-Met Darren Oliver is the only portsider in the pen.''
David Ortiz and JD Drew have nothing to fear from Darren Oliver. Marchman's final analysis? ''PREDICTION Boston in four.''
Chris Ruddick of the Sports Network alludes to the Halos injury issues in his piece on the first round matchup;
''The Red Sox's methods are not eclectic; they bludgeon pitchers with a set lineup consisting of well-rounded hitters and anchored by the monstrous David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez''
He also points out that although public perception has the Angels as the running team;
'' Boston can also run, as Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo became the first Boston teammates with 25-plus steals since Tris Speaker (42) and Al Janvrin (25) ran circles around the AL in 1914.''
Ruddick's final thoughts?
Prediction: RED SOX IN FIVE
MLB.com has a pretty nice page dedicated to the series right here. It has all sorts of stats and what not but also has a few nifty features like Youk's blog, and some good articles on the people to be involved in the Halos v Sox showdown.
Here is the ESPN page akin to the above, which would be great except for those stupid 'ESPN insider' pay-per-view columns. Seriously, in this day and age, charging to view basic sports content? Oy vey. Interestingly 95% of ESPN's pundits go for the Sox to take the series, Jim Caple is the sole journalist to pick the Angels.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a nice piece on the basic series matchup, and almost sums up the entire series with his first line;
''There are noticeable differences in style, but the most pertinent difference might be health.''
Finally, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald weighs in with his 2 cents on the opposing lineups. His preview is a detailed breakdown position by position. He finished with;
'' Series prediction: Red Sox in 5. Two pivotal figures will be Drew and Escobar. If Drew stays hot, the Sox offense is too strong and too deep for the Angels pitching staff. If Escobar comes up aces, the Sox’ odds get a lot tougher.''
Game one can't come soon enough.
.
Tim Marchman in the New York Sun comes up with this when describing the Sox lineup going into the ALDS;
''The Red Sox's methods are not eclectic; they bludgeon pitchers with a set lineup consisting of well-rounded hitters and anchored by the monstrous David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez''
It's true, they are quasi monstrous. Marchman also warns that although the pitching matchup looks great tonight;
'' It could also be a thrashing—Lackey gave up 10 runs in 9.2 innings in Fenway this year and has a 6.27 ERA against Boston in a career that's been short enough for that to be relevant.''
Finally he makes one fascinating point which could be one of those little details behind the scenes that becomes a huge factor in the series;
'' Much will be made, especially given Ortiz's looming presence, of the team's lack of a reliable lefty — former-Met Darren Oliver is the only portsider in the pen.''
David Ortiz and JD Drew have nothing to fear from Darren Oliver. Marchman's final analysis? ''PREDICTION Boston in four.''
Chris Ruddick of the Sports Network alludes to the Halos injury issues in his piece on the first round matchup;
''The Red Sox's methods are not eclectic; they bludgeon pitchers with a set lineup consisting of well-rounded hitters and anchored by the monstrous David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez''
He also points out that although public perception has the Angels as the running team;
'' Boston can also run, as Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo became the first Boston teammates with 25-plus steals since Tris Speaker (42) and Al Janvrin (25) ran circles around the AL in 1914.''
Ruddick's final thoughts?
Prediction: RED SOX IN FIVE
MLB.com has a pretty nice page dedicated to the series right here. It has all sorts of stats and what not but also has a few nifty features like Youk's blog, and some good articles on the people to be involved in the Halos v Sox showdown.
Here is the ESPN page akin to the above, which would be great except for those stupid 'ESPN insider' pay-per-view columns. Seriously, in this day and age, charging to view basic sports content? Oy vey. Interestingly 95% of ESPN's pundits go for the Sox to take the series, Jim Caple is the sole journalist to pick the Angels.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a nice piece on the basic series matchup, and almost sums up the entire series with his first line;
''There are noticeable differences in style, but the most pertinent difference might be health.''
Hurt? Just how bad is big bad Vlad?
Finally, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald weighs in with his 2 cents on the opposing lineups. His preview is a detailed breakdown position by position. He finished with;
'' Series prediction: Red Sox in 5. Two pivotal figures will be Drew and Escobar. If Drew stays hot, the Sox offense is too strong and too deep for the Angels pitching staff. If Escobar comes up aces, the Sox’ odds get a lot tougher.''
Game one can't come soon enough.
.
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