The defending champion Boston Red Sox play the LA Angels of Anaheim. Now, the Sox have won 10 straight postseason games against the Angels (last 3 in 1986, swept best of five in 2004,2007 and Wednesday night's 4-1 win). But this year the Angels have won 8 in a row vs. the Sox. We will see what gives during the postseason.
The Infields: Angels vs. Red Sox
First base: Texeira vs. Youkilis
Second Base: Kendrick vs. Pedroia
Third Base: Figgins vs. Lowell
Short Stop: Aybar vs. Lowrie
Catcher: Napoli vs. Varitek
Overall the Sox have an advantage in the field with the possible exception of SS. They also have an advantage hitting considering Youkilis(312-29-115) and Pedroia(2nd in AL .326) will surely garner some MVP votes. Figgins and Kendrick have the speed and Napoli(20 HR in 227 AB) is a much better hitter than Varitek. With Texeira(358-13-43) in 54 games, whose the AL version of Manny, The Angels can compete but still don't have it.
Advantage: Red Sox
The Outfields: Angels vs. Red Sox
Left Field: Anderson vs. Bay
Center Field: Hunter vs. Ellsbury
Right Field: Matthews vs. Drew
Designated Hitter: Guerrero vs. Ortiz
This is tough to call. Fielding is fairly even. Matthews has the edge over Drew, Bay has the edge over Anderson, and Hunter and Ellsbury are even. Hitting has to go to The Sox as long as Drew is healthy although that is close also. Experience also goes out the window as everyone in the outfield with the exception of Bay has played in the playoffs before.
Advantage: Red Sox barely
Starters:
This will be close also. Beckett will make a difference back in Boston for game 3. If he is healthy and dominant(1.73, 6-2, 3CG) as he can be in the playoffs then the Sox have a great shot. Lester outdueled Lackey and Matsuzaka and Santana are pretty even.
Advantage: Red Sox maybe
Bullpen:
This is one spot where The Angels have it. K-Rod has had a masterful year and although Okajima, Lopez, and Delcarmen(combined 2.77, 6-4) is pretty solid and Masterson looks good, they don't compare to Shields, Oliver, and the rookie Arredondo(combined 2.40, 23-7). Papelbon working on 15 and 2/3 scoreless in the postseason but this was K-Rod's year.
Advantage: Angels
Prediction: Red Sox in four. This is tempered by the fact I am writing this after game 1 and that I think Beckett will be fine. Also I feel whoever does win this series will go to the World Series.
