Durzblog

My preview of the 103rd fall classic on the eve of game 1.











Durz Key Questions:--
-How much can Beckett pitch? If he could pitch in games 1,4 and 7 -- you have to like the Boston's chances, but is that too much work?
-Will the long layoff hurt Colorado and put an end to this crazy run they have been on?
-What team will get the most production from the back of the order?
-What is the weather going to be like in Denver? Will the weather help either team -- if it gives pitchers some more rest due to possible postponements?
-How will Ortiz play at first? Can Francona find a use for the valuable Kevin Youkilis on the road?
-Will the Rocks' starting pitchers come back to earth a bit, like the first half of the season?
-How will a team with no WS experience handle playing on baseball's largest stage?

probable starters

Match-up Breakdown advantages:
consideration for current form as well as season performance and career in playoffs

C: Torrealba/Varitek -- push
1B/DH: Ortiz and Youkilis/Helton and Spilborghs -- Boston
2B: Pedroia/Matsui -- push
3B: Lowell/Atkins -- Boston
SS: Lugo/Tulowitzki -- Colorado
LF: Ramirez/Holliday -- push
CF: Ellsbury/Taveras -- Colorado
RF: Drew/Hawpe -- Colorado
Bench: Mirabelli, Crisp, Kielty/Baker, Smith -- Colorado

Pitching
Starters
1) Beckett/Francis -- Boston
2)Schilling/Jimenez -- push
3)Dice-K/Fogg -- Boston
4)Lester/Cook -- push
Middle relief -- Colorado
Set-up -- push
Closer -- Boston
Manager: Francona/Hurdle -- Boston

pick: Boston in 6
finally the Sox can put a stop to those "2-0-0-4" chants