World Series Preview: Red Sox vs Rockies

Unfortunately I do not have enough time to create an entire preview for the World Series, however, a basic prediction can be found below.

The Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies will play in the 2007 World Series. Interestingly enough, each team likely possessed the Rookie of the Year in their respective league. It appears that Troy Tulowitzki will win it for Colorado (the only other rookie that has a chance is Ryan Braun of the Brewers). It also appears very likely that Dustin Pedroia has the honor locked up in the American League.

If there is an offense in the National League that can compete with the top offenses of the American league, it is the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies have a number of great hitters including Troy Tulowitzki, Brad Hawpe, Garret Atkins, Matt Holiday, and Todd Helton. Kazuo Matsui and Yorvit Torrealba have also contributed in the playoff charge. I would call the offenses equal or maybe even give Colorado a slight edge in that department.

Even if Colorado has better hitting, Boston's starting pitchers are very talented and battle tested. Curt Schilling has been one of the best postseason pitchers of all time and Josh Beckett is quickly making a case to be labeled with that title as well. Daisuke Matsuzaka should prove to be a decent #3 in the series and will not have to face a DH. He will, however, have to deal with the thin air of Colorado in Game 3. It appears that Jon Lester will start Game 4 after Tim Wakefield was left off of the ALCS roster. The Rockies will counter with ace Jeff Francis, followed by Ubaldo Jimenez. Josh Fogg and Franklin Morales will pitch Games 3 and 4 respectively. Boston has the clear edge in starting pitching.

Boston's bullpen, in my opinion, also trumps that of Colorado. Manny Corpas and Brian Fuentes have been very good for the Rockies but keep in mind that they are pitching in a weaker league. Jonathan Papelbon has been able to stump some of the American League's top offenses as have Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, and Mike Timlin. One last quick note about the bullpen: I believe that the Red Sox made a mistake by choosing Kyle Snyder over Julian Tavarez on the World Series roster. Tavarez has more postseason experience than Kyle Snyder who struggled down the stretch. I give the bullpen edge to the Red Sox.

Despite a good sized edge in the pitching department, the Rockies do have one big thing going for them: Momentum. The team has practically lost one game within the past month and has cruised through the playoffs (going 7-0, 8-0 if you count the play-in game). Both teams play very good team defense.

Prediction: Boston in 5 games, maybe 6. I hate to bet against a team as hot as the Rockies have been but they have been playing against National League competition and have been off for 8 days. Plus, I have faith in my team. Go Red Sox!