I am going to comment on the only series that matters to me right now.
A couple of weeks ago I would have given Pawtucket a better chance than Boston in the playoffs. However, things seemed to have turned around in their favour of late. I think they match up well against the Angels for these reasons.
Although not yet confirmed, it looks like Beckett and Schill will pitch games 1-2-4-5 with Dice-K in game 3. Both Schill and Dice-K had very strong outings their last time out, (finally for Dice-K). Beckett and Schill have won big games in the playoffs and World Series so I like them. ManRam is healthy again as is Youkalis, Drew has finally come around and is red hot. Okajima had hit a wall but they shut him down for a while and looks to be back.
While Lackey is a great pitcher, Sox have owned him this year and they look to face him twice if necessary. Escobar's status is in question which would slot Colon in his spot and he has had arm trouble most of the year. Gary Matthews is hurting, Figgins is in a terrible slump and Vlad will only DH, but I know, he is an awesome hitter. Angels bully, other than K-Rod has not been very good this season against Boston and Sox are number two in the Majors.
Keys for Sox to win - Pitching. Beckett and Schill along with the back end of the bullpen have to be money. The sudden surge of Drew has made their top 6-7 hitters (Coco, Pedroia, Papi, ManRam, Lowell, Drew, Youk) tough for opposing pitchers. Defend against Angels game of small ball.
Keys for Halos - the trio of Vlad, O-Cab and Kotchman have had good success against Boston this year. K-Rod has been near lights out as well. Lackey has to find a way to beat the Sox and hope that Esobar is healthy enough to pitch and pitch well. Continue to play small ball, run on Varitek.
My pick - Sox in 5 thanks to Home Field advantage. Overall pitching wins it.
Go Sox!!!!!!! (and Go Tribe cause Yankees lineup scare the hell out of me). Not that Cleveland is a slouch. Their 1-2 starters have been much better than Boston's. They (Indians) just may be the best team right now.
Well several hours later, after I posted this, Sox rotation has been set. Beckett-DiceK-Schil. I don't like that DiceK may pitch twice in the series. He walks far too many batters, Angels love to run and play small ball. Schill does not walk a lot of hitters. DiceK has an ERA of over 1.00 higher at home. IMO this is not a good choice, but hopefully I am proven wrong. Francona's reasoning is that the Halos have not faced DiceK yet. We'll see how it turns out.
