In what has become an annual postseason matchup, the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox (95-67) head out west to battle the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (100-62). The Angels dominated the season series, taking eight of nine games culminating in a sweep of Boston at Fenway in late July. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, surrounded by questions concerning the mindset of Manny Ramirez, the health of David Ortiz's wrist, and the overall effectiveness and reliability of the bullpen, knew an overhaul was drastically needed. Never shy nor reluctant to deal a disgruntled star (in 2004, he dealt Nomar Garciaparra at the deadline for Orlando Cabrera & Doug Mientkiewicz), Epstein traded the productive yet unpredictable Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three team swap with Boston receiving LF Jason Bay from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This bold move saved Boston's season (61-48 before trade, 34-19 after) and set up a rematch of the 2004/2007 ALDS with the Sox sweeping both series. Boston has won nine straight playoff games against the Angels, which dates back to the 1986 ALCS.
LINEUP
Without Manny, the Sox lose one of 7 players in MLB history to record a career BA .300, 500 HR & 1500 RBI (Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mel Ott, Frank Thomas are the others). As erratic and unpredictable as his behavior could be, there is no denying the production and protection he provided DH Ortiz. The Ramirez-Ortiz tandem has been one of the most feared and productive 3-4 hitters and was rivaled only by Roger Maris-Mickey Mantle combination for the Bronx Bombers in the 60's. Subtracting one of the best hitters in the history of baseball does not strengthen your lineup. Also, Ortiz has not been healthy all season long and remains a question mark heading into the series. Bay has been more than adequate since joining the squad, but this is his first postseason appearance. American League MVP candidates 2B Dustin Pedroia and 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis are each coming off breakthrough years and anchor the lineup with Ortiz ailing from the wrist injury. Pedroia has come on strong, particularly of late, finshing 2nd in the AL in batting average and tied for first in total hits with Seattle Mariners OF Ichiro Suzuki. CF Jacoby Ellsbury led the team with 50 stolen bases and is back after getting a taste of the playoffs last year. SS Jed Lowrie and C Jason Varitek both have struggled at the plate but provide solid defense up the middle. Varitek is still the Captain and there is no one better behind the plate, analyzing each batter's weaknesses and providing his pitchers with the proper gameplan and how to execute it.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete