World Series Preview: How the Rockies Can Roll the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox did it again.

Down 3-1 to the Indians in the ALCS, the Sox needed their stars to step up. They did—and the rest is history.

Now the Sox are poised to battle the Rockies for all the marbles. Here's a preview of the 2007 Fall Classic...

How Boston Got Here

After sweeping the Angels in the ALDS, Big Papi and Manic Manny overlooked the Indians. They paid the price early in the Series, but rebounded just in time to steal the AL pennant.

The last team to come back from such a deep ALCS deficit?

The 2004 Boston Red Sox.

And we all know how that story ended.

How Colorado Got Here

There's no hotter team than the Colorado Rockies.

Colorado closed hard down the stretch to earn a postseason berth, then rode the momentum of a controversial tiebreaker victory over the Padres to sweeps against the Phillies and the Diamondbacks.

Clutch hitting and clutch pitching got the Rockies to their first World Series. They'll need more of both to trump the Sox.

Why the Red Sox Win

David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Jason Varitek are all hot. Curt Schilling and Daisuke Matsuzaka have the goods to deliver on the game's biggest stage—but they'll have to be extra perfect against the Blake Street Bombers.

The Sox need to realize they aren't facing the '04 St. Louis Cardinals. If they're going to win, they can't let an ALCS hangover affect their play.

Why the Rockies Win

Defense, defense, DEFENSE!

The Rockies have won 21 of their last 22 games on the strength of their sterling glovework. More of the same might just get them over the hump.

Colorado will have had eight days off when the Series finally starts. They're ready. This is a team is on a mission—and the Red Sox will have their hands full.

The Verdict

Last year, Detroit swept the A's in the ALCS while the Cardinals went to seven games against the Mets in the NL.

The advantage in the Series went to the Cards.

2007 presents a similar scenario—but that doesn't mean the result will be the same.

The Red Sox have great pitching and great fielding on their side...but so do the Rockies. The Red Sox have faith and recent history on their side...but so do the Rockies.

Everyone knows about Boston's big bats, but the Rockies lineup poses a top-to-bottom threat. And has been proven time and time again, it's never smart to bet against the underdog.

The Rockies are 2-1 against the BoSox this season. Denver had better be ready for a party, because Rocktoberfest is just getting started.

Prediction: Rockies in 5