Last night was the start of the 2013 World Series, so I thought it would be fun to run through a World Series preview. The matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox is a rematch of the 2004 World Series. Remember, this is when the Red Sox broke their infamous curse, winning their first World Series since the departure of Babe Ruth. Boston swept the series 4-0, but luckily for the Cardinals, it is 2013 and two completely different teams are taking the field.
The faceoff between St. Louis and Boston is truly a matchup of the league’s best teams, with the Cardinals and Red Sox tying for the best records in baseball at 97-65. 2013 was a major turnaround for the Red Sox, who finished at the bottom of the AL East last season. A team overhaul has led the Sox to acquire a group of team oriented players, eager to capture the ultimate goal of a World Series title. First year manager, John Farrell, has done an excellent job of orchestrating his clubhouse into a unified group of teammates. Meanwhile, the Cardinals return a vast majority of their key contributors, but have found some new players that have installed themselves as key cogs within the St. Louis lineup. The Cardinals missed the World Series by one game last season and are certainly eager to re-establish themselves as World Champions. Moving forward, let's take some time to look at the matchups at each position.
Catcher
Behind the dish we have Boston’s Jarrod Saltlamacchia against the Cardinal’s Yadier Molina. St. Louis has the clear cut advantage with Molina. He has set the standard for an All-Star catcher, and is sure to be considered as a strong MVP candidate. 1-0 St. Louis.
First Base
Mike Napoli for the Red Sox matched up with Matt Adams of St. Louis. Though Matt Adams is a nice story out of Slippery Rock University, a small Division II school, Napoli enters Wednesday’s game on a hot streak. Apart from swinging it extremely well later in the ALCS, Napoli is better defensively at first base. This one goes to the Red Sox. 1-1 Tie.
Second Base
The Fenway Faithful offer up former MVP Dustin Pedroia, while the Redbirds bring forward Matt Carpenter. Relatively unknown before the season, Carpenter had an amazing year earning himself an All-Star nod. However, Pedroia seems to serve as the spark plug for the Boston lineup. With his superior defense, and ability to jumpstart the Sox at any moment, I’ll give Boston the edge. Red Sox up 2-1.
Shortstop
Boston brings forth Stephen Drew while the Cardinals have Pete Kozma. While neither one can be considered a standout, Drew certainly holds the edge. He easily has the better bat, and even showcased an impressive run-saving defensive play against the Tigers. Once again it goes to Boston. Red Sox 3-1.
Third Base
At the third, Boston will probably employ some tandem of Will Middlebrooks and Xander Bogaerts. St. Louis will counter with David Freese at the hot corner. Freese is perhaps most remembered for his postseason heroics in 2011. He’s been pretty cold at the plate this postseason, but something tells me he might reignite his 2011 magic. With Boston’s uncertainty at third base, I'd give St. Louis the edge. Red Sox 3-2.
Outfield
The Red Sox will utilize some combination of Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes, Daniel Nava and, of course, the speedy Jacoby Ellsbury. St. Louis will most often go with Matt Holliday, Jon Jay and Carlos Beltran. Though Jay’s poor performance this postseason easily gives Ellsbury the edge between the center fielders, I believe Beltran and Holliday give the Cardinals the advantage. Beltran’s numbers have him as one of the best postseason players ever, and that has to count for something. Beltran and Holliday both play average defense, but their sticks will undoubtedly play a big role in the series. I’m confident in their ability to perform and therefore give the Cardinals the win. Tie 3-3
Pitching
The tie leaves it up to the pitching — probably the most important aspect of any team. Both teams offer equally impressive bullpens. The Cardinals have their cast of flamethrowers, while the Red Sox have an equally reliable squad of late inning options. Therefore I think it will come down to the starting pitching. Boston will rely on Jon Lester, Clay Bucholz, John Lackey and Jake Peavy. The Cardinals will offer Adam Wainwright, Michael Wacha, Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn. The four starters for St. Louis have been flat out dominant throughout the playoffs. Wainwright has been his usual self, and rookie Wacha is throwing the ball like never before. In 29 2/3 innings, Wacha holds a 0.30 ERA with opponents hitting a dismal .093 against him in the last four starts. With Wainwright and Wacha slated to go games one, two, five and six, Boston will struggle to score runs. The Red Sox got away with their late inning heroics against an inferior Detroit bullpen, but they will not have that same luxury with St. Louis. It will be a great series, but I think St. Louis and their pitching gives them the World Series title.
My Prediction: Cardinals take the series in six games.
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