Will Boston Red Sox fans continue to be gluttons for punishmentor is this finally their year? That is just one of many questionsthat are begging to be answered during this year's American LeagueChampionship Series.
There are certainly many others. How will Sox ace CurtSchilling's ankle hold up? Will New York Yankees closer MarianoRivera be affected by the tragic deaths in his family? Will DonZimmer fly in from Tampa and take a run at Pedro Martinez? Will Foxbroadcaster Tim McCarver run onto the field and pull a TonyaHarding on Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez in an attempt to give theYankees the advantage? Will Sox manager Terry Francona choke onthat giant wad of tobacco he's always chewing? Questionsabound.
It's likely that the outcome of this series will hinge on whichYankee rotation shows up. While Yankee starters underperformedduring the regular season, they were extremely effective againstthe Minnesota Twins. The only problem for New York is that the Twinoffense, ranked ninth in the AL, can make anyone look good. It'sgoing to be a lot tougher when you're facing the team that led theAL in runs scored by a healthy margin.
Still, the Yankees have some reasons to be optimistic. MikeMussina has gotten better and better over the last few weeks. He'sonce again looking like the ace he has been in years past. KevinBrown is starting to get healthy again, and Jon Lieber has beenpretty consistent. Will they be able to get any mileage out ofOrlando Hernandez? Will Javier Vazquez remember how to pitch? Bothof those things remain to be seen.
Either way, Boston has a clear advantage over the Yankeerotation. Both Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling are better thanany New York starter. Tim Wakefield has a history of confoundingYankee hitters, and Bronson Arroyo's cornrow haircut appears togive him magical powers.
Boston has a deep, powerful lineup that is a key to theirsuccess. The 2004 Red Sox have an ability to work the count andtire starting pitchers that is reminiscent of past Yankee lineups.In spots one through nine, the lineup is extremely strong. When youhave the 2003 American League batting champion hitting in thenine-hole, you're obviously going to score a lot.
But New York can pound the ball as well. With names like Jeter,Rodriguez, Sheffield, Matsui and Posada at the top of the lineup,the Yanks are certainly dangerous. The weakness for the Bombers isin the seven through nine spots. With an unhealthy Jason Giambi,Tony Clark and John Olerud will see some time at first base. Bostonfans remember Clark well; he's the guy who hit three home runs in275 at-bats for the Sox in 2002, and now he comes to New York andhits 16 round trippers in 20 fewer at-bats - go figure.
The Boston defense has been upgraded to the point where it has aslight advantage over New York. The starters for each team arepretty comparable. But in the late innings, Boston can bring ingold glovers Pokey Reese and Doug Mientkiewicz as well as speedyoutfielders Dave Roberts and Gabe Kapler if necessary.
When it comes to managing, New York certainly has an advantage,but it's not quite as big as many would have you believe. Sure, JoeTorre has won many World Series and he's an excellent manager. ButTerry Francona has done an admirable job thus far. Besides, evengood managers can make a blunder from time to time; just ask Angelsskipper Mike Scioscia.
Is New York's clear bullpen advantage enough to overcomeBoston's strong starting pitching and offense? Probably not. Itwill be a close series. Last year, former Sox manager Grady Littledecided to ruin things. Now Grady's gone and the Red Sox shouldprevail in six.
