2007 World Series: Momentum Edge Goes to the Red Sox

One word describes this World Series matchup:

Momentum.

No team in recent history has ridden an emotional high more effectively than the Rockies.

Colorado won 14 out of 15 to finish the regular season, then swept the Phillies and the Diamondbacks to earn a berth in the Fall Classic.

The Rockies are hitting only .242 as a team, but they've been able to win games on the strength of amazing pitching performances.

The Rockies staff has a combined 2.08 ERA in the postseason, with opponents hitting a paltry .221. Jeff Francis and Josh Fogg are a combined 4-0.

And then there are the Red Sox.

Left for dead after Game Four against the Indians, the Red Sox did what they do best—come back.

In 2003, Josh Beckett helped his Florida Marlins rebound from a 3-1 NLCS deficit against the Cubs. He was instrumental in helping the Red Sox pull the same trick this year.

The Sox also got solid efforts from Curt Schilling (two runs in seven innings in Game Six) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (two runs in five innings in Game Seven).

As it stands, the Red Sox are hot—while the Rockies are coming off eight days of rest. It's hard to maintain momentum with so much downtime.

And that could make all the difference come Wednesday night.  

Starting Pitching Edge: Red Sox

I'll take Beckett, Schilling, and Dice-K in any series over Francis, Fogg, and Ubaldo Jimenez.

Bullpen Edge: Rockies

The Rockies are stacked with Manny Corpas, Brian Fuentes, LaTroy Hawkins, and Matt Herges—who have a combined ERA of 1.61.

Offensive Edge: Red Sox

Yes, the Rockies do have a talented young offense led by Matt Holliday and Todd Helton—but Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, and Dustin Pedroia give the Sox the advantage. The series might come down to who has the better bench. Which goes to the Sox, who have Eric Hinske, Kevin Youlkilis, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Defensive Edge: Rockies

This was easy. Led by Troy Tulowitzki, Helton, and Willy Taveras, the Rockies' D is the best in baseball. Remember too that Big Papi will have to play first base with no DH in the National League.

Prediction: Red Sox in 5

The Rockies might be able to squeeze out a win—but the great story will finally come to an end against a better opponent.

Red Sox fans getting spoiled?

No, only getting what they deserve:

Another World Series Champion.

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