It’s important to know before I get too deep that I am an avid Red Sox fan. I’ve been there through steroid allegations, the infamous chicken and beer scandal and most recently, the devilish reign of Bobby Valentine as manager (may we all forget what he did to us). Even though I am a fan, I will write this article in a very fair and factual way. Here’s what’s on our plate, folks.
1. Yadier Molina versus Red Sox baserunners. Yadier Molina is without a doubt the best defensive catcher in baseball, and it would be hard to make a case for anyone else. Molina, better known as ‘Yadi,’ is one of the best in the league when it comes to throwing out baserunners with a whopping 43-percent of runners caught stealing. The Sox are notoriously destructive on the bases as they stole 123 times, helping them to score a league leading 853 runs. Jacoby Ellsbury led the league with 52 bases stolen and was only caught 4 times.
2. Koji Uehara versus late inning hits. I really think every game will be very close, meaning an increased importance of eighth and ninth inning rallies or walk-off hits. The Sox have Koji Uehara shutting the door on teams in the ninth inning. Only 33 players registered hits on Uehara during his 74.1 innings pitched this season, which yielded 10 runs scored. He also pitched 37 innings in a row this season without a single baserunner, which is the equivalent of throwing a perfect game and some extra for good measure. Because of the Cardinal’s high volume of hits and National League best OBP, they’re going to be Uehara’s toughest test this postseason. The Cardinal’s lineup relies on small-ball type play, perfect for sparking rallies, often leading to late inning wins and walkoffs.
3. Red Sox offense versus Cardinal pitching. The Sox offense has been electric this season. They are first in runs scored, runs batted in and doubles, second in hits, walks and batting average, and third in walks. This offense gets on base, and they score. The Cardinals, led by Adam Wainwright, have a pitching staff that has been dominant this postseason. They are strong, stout and salty boys throwing the heat. Michael Wacha, the new kid on the block, has allowed one run over his 27 innings pitched, Wainwright has a sub-3.0 ERA, and youngsters Shelby Miller and Trevor Rosenthal are some of the brightest pitching prospects in baseball.
There is no clear winner of the fall classic, which is why I’m so excited to be watching. If my life depended on it and I had to choose, I would say the Sox win in seven games. I will remain loyal and true.
