What a season this has been for the Red Sox. The regular season is over and the new season begins: playoffs.
For the first time since I personally can remember, the Yankees are at home already which is an impressive feat in itself. They did everything they could to hang in there, Mussina got his 20 wins finally, and they said goodbye to Yankee Stadium in grand fashion. My only question is why not close Yankee Stadium on the last series of the season, against the Red Sox? I think it would have been even better if the Sox were there. Win or lose, the Yankees gave the fans what they wanted when they said goodbye to the House that Ruth Built. And Red Sox fans said goodbye to them as they entered the post season and look to defend their World Series title.
This year more than any will be the toughest. The Sox are facing the best hitting team in baseball and arguably the best pitching team. They play small ball and are no strangers to the long ball. They play hard through every inning and have one of the best closers in baseball in K-Rod, who is now the proud owner of the most saves in a season category.
Here are just a few reasons I think the Sox have a shot at upsetting the Angels:
- Psychological Edge – BoSox have bounced the Angels from the playoffs how many times in recent years?
- Nothing to lose mentality – BoSox have been up and down all season and lost the division to the Rays.
- Fenway – in October, Fenway is insane. If they come home with a 1-1 split, I think they have a good shot at winning.
- Pitching matchups – They are fairly even, but Beckett (when healthy) is the best October pitcher in baseball. Lester is lights out and Dice-K can't seem to lose.
- Ortiz – he's heating up at just the right time.
The Angels are a great team. They win close games, they have hitting, they have fantastic manager. This could be the year for them.
But don't bet against the Sox in October.
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