MLB 2007 AL Division Series #2 Preview
Boston Red Sox vs Anaheim Angels.
Bullpen: The eighth inning could be a real nail-biter for Red Sox Nation as Canadian righty Eric Gagne, acquired at the trade deadline, has been inconsistent since joining the Sox and really since suffering injuries to his elbow the last season or so. Mike Timlin can also take the ball un the later innings and shut down the offense. Lefty Hideki Okajima was very effective in the first half, earning him a spot at the all-star game. However, he suffered from a tired arm during the stretch run and was less effective after the all-star break. If he returns to his first-half effectiveness, Angels lefties beware. Closer Jon Papelbon was his usual lights-out self in the ninth, and appears to have put the arm problems that plagued him in '06 and evenually shut him down in September behind him. The key will be getting to Papelbon. Traditiionally, the Angels have boasted one of the better 'pens in the majors and this season is no exception. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was solid in the regular season, notching 40 saves and posting an ERA under 3.00. The rest of the supporting cast including sidewinder Justin Speier and righty Scot Shields has been solid. If the Angels enter the 7th inning and beyond with a lead, the Red Sox will be hard pressed to rally. Edge: Angels
Hitting: Both of these teams have question marks when it comes to hitting. For the Red Sox the question is whether the two corner outfielders in JD Drew, who struggled this season, and Manny Ramirez, who missed 24 games in September with a strained oblique muscle, can produce. Also David "Big Papi" Ortiz has a tender right knee that will require off-season surgery. In the rookie outfield Jacoby Ellsbury, did an admirable job filling in for Ramirez in his absence, however, he won't be a power threat and won't scare pitchers like Man-Ram. For the Angels, they'll be missing power and speed threat Gary Matthews Jr. who's out with a knee injury. This leaves Vladimir Guerrero, who was limited to DH duties at the end of the season due to a triceps injury and a bruised arm. The Angels make up for lack of power with speed. Look for them to produce a lot of their runs through the small-ball game. Edge: even
Coaching: Both of these managers (Terry Francona for the Red Sox and Mike Schocia for the Angels) know how to win, having led their respective teams to a championship in the last five years. Both these teams have their question marks heading into the post-season. Schocia has more experience as a manager and thus gets the edge.
Series Prediction: Red Sox in five
Starting Pitching: The Red Sox have 2 solid starters they can turn to in game 1 and game 2. Ace Josh Beckett will take the hill in game one and he should provide the team with a chance to win, being well-rested after a few extra days off following his final regular season start. Game 2 starter Diasuke Matsusaka has shown this year that he performs better on longer rest. However, should the series go five games, the Red Sox will have to decide whether to chance running Matsusaka out on short rest. Curt Schilling is aging and is likely more prone to injury. Lefty Jon Lester, a comeback player of the year candidate, having survived cancer, can be a fourth starter. This youngster has three solid pitches to choose from. The Angels counter with John Lackey in game 1, who tends to struggle at Fenway Park. Kelvim Escobar should match-up well with Matsusaka and give his team a chance to win the series. Jered Weaver is the wild card, as he can be inconsistent in starts. Ervin Santana can serve as a fourth starter. He was effective against the Yankees 2 seasons ago. He'll also be a long man out of the 'pen. edge: Red Sox
Bullpen: The eighth inning could be a real nail-biter for Red Sox Nation as Canadian righty Eric Gagne, acquired at the trade deadline, has been inconsistent since joining the Sox and really since suffering injuries to his elbow the last season or so. Mike Timlin can also take the ball un the later innings and shut down the offense. Lefty Hideki Okajima was very effective in the first half, earning him a spot at the all-star game. However, he suffered from a tired arm during the stretch run and was less effective after the all-star break. If he returns to his first-half effectiveness, Angels lefties beware. Closer Jon Papelbon was his usual lights-out self in the ninth, and appears to have put the arm problems that plagued him in '06 and evenually shut him down in September behind him. The key will be getting to Papelbon. Traditiionally, the Angels have boasted one of the better 'pens in the majors and this season is no exception. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was solid in the regular season, notching 40 saves and posting an ERA under 3.00. The rest of the supporting cast including sidewinder Justin Speier and righty Scot Shields has been solid. If the Angels enter the 7th inning and beyond with a lead, the Red Sox will be hard pressed to rally. Edge: Angels
Hitting: Both of these teams have question marks when it comes to hitting. For the Red Sox the question is whether the two corner outfielders in JD Drew, who struggled this season, and Manny Ramirez, who missed 24 games in September with a strained oblique muscle, can produce. Also David "Big Papi" Ortiz has a tender right knee that will require off-season surgery. In the rookie outfield Jacoby Ellsbury, did an admirable job filling in for Ramirez in his absence, however, he won't be a power threat and won't scare pitchers like Man-Ram. For the Angels, they'll be missing power and speed threat Gary Matthews Jr. who's out with a knee injury. This leaves Vladimir Guerrero, who was limited to DH duties at the end of the season due to a triceps injury and a bruised arm. The Angels make up for lack of power with speed. Look for them to produce a lot of their runs through the small-ball game. Edge: even
Coaching: Both of these managers (Terry Francona for the Red Sox and Mike Schocia for the Angels) know how to win, having led their respective teams to a championship in the last five years. Both these teams have their question marks heading into the post-season. Schocia has more experience as a manager and thus gets the edge.
Series Prediction: Red Sox in five
posted by opinionator777 at 7:27 PM
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