I'm not sure I have the energy or mental capacity to truly break down the current American League Championship Series with the detail it (may or may not) deserve. However, I must say that after watching three games between the Sox and Indians, if I were a betting man - and had the option to put a bet down at this stage - I'd put my money on the Cleveland Indians.
I just think they have a much stronger pitching staff and a great line-up of recognizable offensive stars and their unknowns are out-performing the bottom of the Red Sox order.
Is the series over? Oh, by no means. There are four games left. The Sox can take 3 of 5 from the Indians, for sure. However, it appears the Sox bats have been quieted by this Cleveland pitching staff - and that, more than anything, can be disastrous for a baseball team in the playoffs. They only need to do it for a short period of time... and Cleveland has been getting it done the last two games.
Tim Wakefield goes tomorrow night. This is make-or-break.
If he's back to his old self and he can pull out seven innings, couple of earnies, the Sox might be okay. If it's Cleveland 5, Sox (anything less than five) after two or three? Forget it.
It's becoming obvious that the Red Sox don't have the full package at this stage of the season. If they move along and win the World Series from this point, it'll be an amazing feat of over-achievement, in my eyes.
They don't seem to have the pitching depth or the 'clutch' hitting that is needed to win it all. Hate to use the 'clutch' hitting refrain - but what I'm saying is, they're just not hitting... at all.
Should be an interesting next few games. Much more than could be said about their ho-hum ALDS victory over the Angels.
2 comments:
agree on all fronts. What I think most folks need to be reminded of is that the indians had the best (or tied for) the best record in all of baseball.
At this point I am not sure anyone can knock down the rockies though..sweet lord 20wins in the last 21 games? WOw.
Wow. Were we ever wrong. As I sit here watching the Sox with a 13-1 lead in game 1 of the World Series - I admit it, I feel like an idiot.
The end of that ALCS was awesome and now (jumping back on the bandwagon) all I see is more of the same as the WS goes on.
Go Sox.
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