Red Sox Beat Cardinals in 6 Games to Win 2013 World Series

 

Boston won the 2013 World Series 4 games to 2 over St. Louis.  And Big Papi starred when the majority of Red Sox bats went silent.  The stats can be found here but the highlights for Ortiz are a .688 batting average, 2 homers, 8 ribbies, 8 walks, only 1 strikeout, .760 on base percentage, and 1.188 slugging percentage.  Wow.  He has always been a huge leader on this team and they needed him this series as no other Red Sox player hit above .250 and six players with 13 or more at bats batted under .190.  Considering the zoo the Red Sox were last year when they lost 93 games, to the bombings during the Boston Marathon this year, winning 96 games and taking the championship in six games it has been a heck of a ride.  See the speech heard round the world here when Papi said "This is our f******* city".  I don't doubt he used some colorful language during his dugout pep speeches that got so much attention. 

 

While Papi will get all the accolades the pitching staff deserves their own praise.  Overall they excelled with a 1.84 ERA while walking only 11.  Jon Lester was marvelous in two starts going 15 1/3 innings and giving up only one run while winning both games.  John Lackey was also very good in his two starts winning one while giving up four earned runs in 14 innings.  Clay Buchholz added another good start and Jake Peavy kept them in the game in his start.  In the bullpen, Junichi Tazawa, Koji Euhara (2 saves), and Brandon Workman gave up zero earned runs in a combined 10 plus innings.  Felix Doubront gave Boston much needed innings in relief of Peavy's and Buchholz's short stints as starters, and did it well registering a 1.93 ERA in 4 2/3 innings.  To me the pitching staff as a whole deserves huge kudos for what they were able to do against a very good St. Louis Cardinals offense.

While the St. Louis offense did have a tough time against Red Sox pitching they actually had their chances but couldn't come up with the timely hits that Boston did.  One thing that stood out about St. Louis was their young pitching.  They seem primed to continue to be a power house in the National League as long as they can figure out the shortstop position and maybe add another bat.  Michael Wacha, Trevor Rosenthal, Carlos Martinez, Kevin Siegrist, and Joe Kelly all played well and again make the future for the Cardinals look bright. 

 

Being a Red Sox fan in the St. Louis area this was really fun.  Talking games every morning was a great experience no matter who won.  The Cards fans here show their pride in mass and I take my hat off to them.  I was even able to catch a game with a buddy of mine whose a St. Louis fan.  It was game three so the ending was a heart breaker but I really enjoyed.  It doesn't get much better than that. 

 

I don't want to forget manager John Farrell.  The team he was handed was no slouch but they weren't picked by anyone not a Red Sox homer to win the World Series.  He made some mistakes in game two but that didn't take him off his game and he made the right lineup changes when needed and kept his team up to the task.  Good job. 

 

That's all I got.  It was a great World Series with tons of good pitching.  How could you complain?  Well, assuming you aren't a Card's fan.  I've already received my World Series Champs shirt, a World Series shirt and I'm thinking of picking up the beards shirt.  This is awesome.  I'll enjoy for the next few months until spring training starts up.  Great stuff.  GO BOSOX!

The facial thing isn't new but it was really worked well in Boston during their run to the title. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2013 World Series: Boston and St. Louis Tied at One

After Boston took game one of the World Series St. Louis wins game two behind another pitching gem from rookie Michael Wacha.  In game one Boston took advantage of some sloppy fielding by the Cards as well as jumping on Adam Wainwright early on their way to a 8-1 win.  This was a great start for the Red Sox.  Their offense, defense, and pitching all looked great.  I thought this gave them an edge going into game two. 

 

Boy I was wrong.    Michael Wacha continued his great postseason run.  His ERA did go up to 1.00 but earned his fourth postseason win (matches his regular season total) in this, his rookie season.  Amazing.  Other than Papi's homerun the Red Sox really had no answer for the stellar rookie.  Again this guy is a rookie who hasn't even pitched 100 combined regular and postseason innings.  I'll stop gushing now but WOW.  This was my worst case scenario.  The young Cardinal pitchers have forgotten how inexperienced they are and continue pitching well.  I really thought the Boston offense could wear them down with their ability to work the counts.  Didn't happen as Wacha, Carlos Martinez and Trevor Rosenthal just mowed them down. 

 

Now Boston starter Clay Buchholz says he "may have one more game" in him.  That is not what you want to hear from your expected third starter as he battles a vague "fatigue" issue.  Now his game three start has been pushed back to game four.  Still everyone's confidence level in Buchholz has just sunk to an all-time low.  Greaaaat.  Boston is probably wishing they had another crack at setting their World Series roster...without Buchholz on it.  So Jake Peavy is now the Boston game three starter.  Shaky in three of his last four starts and after being hit hard by Detroit you have to wonder what he'll give them.  I really like Peavy and hope he can channel some of his past National League success in game three.  The Cards throw another youngster in Joe Kelly at the Red Sox so hopefully the offense can learn from game two and give a better showing tomorrow night. 

 

Game four has Lance Lynn starting for the Cardinals.  He is also doesn't inspire much confidence in his team's fan base.  Both teams have a starter in reserve ready to go if their starters get into trouble early.  Felix Doubrount (Bos) and Shelby Miller know they could be called on early to stem the tide.  This series is no surprise outside of some of the defensive letdowns.  Now that it is in St. Louis, Boston needs to set the tone early in game three and take the advantage.  Knowing they have to face Wainright again in game five, games three and four are critical.  Waino is a tested veteran and I wouldn't count on getting to him two games in a row.  Close series which is anyone's to win and that is all you can ask for.  Well I'll ask for three more Red Sox wins as well...

Braves Lose to Dodgers in Division Series - Red Sox Advance to ALCS

Atlanta failed to advance past the first playoff series once again losing three games to one to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Neither pitching nor the offense were good enough to get past the Dodgers whom the Braves had handled in the regular season series five games to two.  The offense only scored 14 runs while mustering one home run and 36 total bases over their four playoff games.  Pitching put up a 5.82 ERA, walked 21, while allowing a .280 batting average in 34 innings.  None of those numbers scream we're gonna win!  No matter how it all played out the bottom line is this will be a disappointing season.  Even with all the injuries this team had to play with they won 96 games and should have been able to compete with anyone in the playoffs.  Yes, they didn't get blown out by the Dodgers, but I just never had the feeling they were on the same level.  Maybe that is just the pessimistic fan always thinking the worst but the offense is inconsistent and while the pitching was very good in the regular season, outside of Craig Kimbrel, I didn't feel we could say this pitcher or that was a guy who'd be big come playoff time.  Hopefully the Braves can get healthy and maybe get the offense on track next year but it will still feel like this year was a loss.

Boston on the other hand dealt with Tampa Bay somewhat easily winning their series three games to one.  Boston showed off it's offense and their pitching had a very nice 3.03 ERA.  Boston only hit two homers but their .286 batting average, .390 on base percentage and 26 runs should make all Red Sox fans happy.  The pitchers only gave up 11 walks and allowed a .225 batting average.  I said it before the playoffs and this only enhanced my view - this team is built to win it all.  They have depth in pitching and an offense that no pitcher can rest on.  Detroit may have a better 1-2 punch but I think Boston can start four pitchers who are on par with any team out there.  I, like many, just have a good feeling about this team.  They seem loose and don't get rattled easily.  I'm hoping for eight more wins - sorry Detroit...

Braves and Red Sox Ready for the Playoffs

 

The Braves enter the playoffs as the #2 seed after posting a 13-14 September.  This is not how you want to play going into the playoffs.  The offense is inconsistent at best and while the pitching has been good they lack an identity.  There is no true ace on this staff and anytime 36 year-old Freddy Garcia has a chance to make your postseason rotation there could be trouble.  Still we have two very good starters at the top of the rotation in Mike Minor and Kris Medlen.  In a postseason series having two very good pitchers can get you to the next round.  Julio Teheran should be the third starter.  Then it would be Garcia or Paul Maholm.  The big question in the bullpen is whether or not Jordan Walden would be available while battling a groin injury. 50 save stud Craig Kimbrel anchors the bullpen and should keep any lead that gets to him safe.  Still the pitching staff with the best ERA should keep them in every game.  Just have to hope the offense puts something up on the board...

The offense is as inconsistent as ever.  MVP candidate Freddie Freeman and Chris Johnson are the steadying force of the lineup.  Everyone else has been nothing but streaky.  I'm really hoping they can put some hits together against Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and the Los Angeles Dodgers in games one and two of the first round.  It won't be easy but that is how they'll have to win games.  I just don't know if they can do it.  No real secret to the Brave's key to winning.  The offense must step up and do better.  Playing against high caliber teams each night they can't wait for the next game.  I think Atlanta can beat the Dodgers but it seems like it will take a brawl that goes seven games. 

#1 seed Boston comes in with the league's best offense and 13th best pitching staff.  I think Boston has what it takes to win it all.  They are a very balanced team.  Jon Lester, John Lackey, and Clay Bucholz anchor the starting staff which can also throw Ryan Dempster, Felix Doubront, and Jake Peavy at you.  The bullpen has holes and the closer role has been unsettled all year.  Boston must have that settled in the first series against the yet to be determined wild card team or it could be a rough postseason.  Koji Euhara seems to have the role for now but we'll see how he does in the postseason in his somewhat new role.

The offense has lots of weapons anchored by David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia but also gets support from the rest of the lineup.  This team should score no matter who they go up against.  Doesn't mean they can't be shut down but they should always feel like they can score and make a comeback if need be. 

Braves Lost Jason Heyward

Jason Heyward is out 4-6 weeks after having surgery for a broken jaw suffered against the Mets on 21 August.  This is a huge blow.  While Heyward isn't having a great year overall he had responded well to being moved to the leadoff spot.  He was batting .348 in August with a .419 on base percentage and was key to Atlanta extending it's lead to 15 games in the National League East.  He'll miss most of the rest of the season.  I'd rather have him playing but for now I'll hope he will be ready to go in the playoffs. 

This injury is not good news for the Braves whose offense isn't the most potent and the Braves as a whole have dealt with a ton of injuries this year.  His defense and veteran leadership are also a big piece of this team.  Six Braves have been lost for the season to include key pitchers Tim Hudson, Eric O'Flaherty and Johnny Venters.  Now the Braves also must deal with an injury to starter Brandon Beachy.  He had only five starts after returning from injury and now he may be out again for an extended timeframe. 

Atlanta is a good team and their record shows it.  Still they need to catch a break with all these injuries or it may all be for not come playoff time.  I can only hope the rest of the lineup can step up and fill the void.  The Braves have lost three in a row to the Cardinals scoring a total a five runs in those three games.  I'm not panicking but definitely fatigued at seeing all these injuries. 

2013 Major League Predictions

This will be quick.  Here are my picks for the playoffs and World Series this year:

NL Division Winners:  Washington, Cincinnati, Los Angeles
NL Wild Card:  Atlanta, San Francisco

AL Division Winners:  Toronto, Detroit, Angels
AL Wild Card:  Boston, Texas

World Series:  Detroit over Washington

Nothing too crazy there though local Cardinal fans won't be too happy with me and many will think Boston has no chance to make it.  That is the fun part.  We won't know for another 162 games.  I do think Philly has chance to sneak in there as a wild card and Los Angeles could represent the National League in the World Series but I'll stick with my picks.  That is it.  Again quick and easy.   

Boston Red Sox 2013 Preview

Last year the Red Sox went 69-93 and finished last in the American League East.  That won't happen again this year.  Boston acquired closer Joel Hanrahan from Pittsburgh and signed reliever Koji Uehara, outfielders Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino and catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli.  These transactions alone won't make them a division contender but for Boston this is a "rebuilding" season so fans can't expect the moon. 

 

Jon Lester, Clay Bucholz, Ryan Dempster, John Lackey, and Felix Doubront will anchor the starting staff.  Collectively this looks great on paper but as last year shows that means little when the games are played.  None of these pitchers had an ERA less than 4.56, Beckett's was over 5 and Lackey didn't play due to injury.  Lots of questions.  I believe they have to be better than last year when the best any starter did was 11 wins.  Even if the starting pitchers aren't their old great selves they should at least be better than last year and I expect Lester and Bucholz to have solid years reminding fans why they have hope.

 

The bullpen is anchored by Hanrahan at closer.  His transition to the American League will be key.  If he doesn't cut it the bullpen could be in trouble.  Andrew Bailey is the closer in training and could step in but he is an unknown at this time.  Koji Uehara was signed away from Texas and had a great year with a 1.75 ERA, .64 WHIP, and .160 batting average against.  He is 37 so I have to hope this won't be the year he plays old.  Otherwise the bullpen has decent talent but they don't blow opponents away.  My hope is they can be solid and the additions make big contributions.

 

David Ortiz is back and DH but won't start the season due to injury.  He is always solid as long as he can stay healthy this year.  Mike Napoli, Dustin Pedroia and Will Middlebrooks will anchor the infield.  All are solid players and they must play good defense and keep the bat on the ball for Boston to succeed.  Jose Iglesius will play short until Stephen Drew returns from injury so this could be a negative for a time. 

 

Jackie Bradley Jr. is the darling coming out of spring training after a great March.  Hopefully he can prove he belongs when the stats really count and keep his spot on the team when players start returning from injuries.  Jacoby Ellsbury had a sub par season in 2012 but there is no reason to believe he can't stay healthy and bounce back.  Shane Victorino will be the other outfielder and brings much needed energy and speed.  He fits well though it is a wonder why Cody Ross left for Arizona for about the same amount of money.  Jonny Gomes will provide depth and possibly start if Bradley Jr. falters early. 

 

I like the hiring of John Farrell as manager.  Bobby V. was the worst choice EVER and it was obvious from the start of last season.  My hope is Farrell, previously the Red Sox pitching coach, can return the pitching staff to above average form.  As always the American League East is competitive.  New York is ailing but they still have talent.  Baltimore will have to show they can do it two years in a row and Toronto replaced everyone except the mascot with high profile signings/trades.  I actually think Boston can take 2nd place this year with the Blue Jays winning the division.  I don't think they make the playoffs.  That would take everyone playing at their best and that may be too much to ask for though Red Sox fans will not be happy with anything less.  I think they can compete for the division title but that may be too optimistic.  They just need to get on the right track and should be one of the powers that be in the coming years as some of their minor league talent is ready for the big show.  

Atlanta Braves 2013 Preview

 

While the 2012 Atlanta Braves made the playoffs after a historic swoon in 2011 left them watching from home, I'm not sure it was that much of an upgrade. They lost their one game playoff series to the St. Louis Cardinals doing away in one game with what they had fought for for 162 games.  This off season Atlanta shook up the lineup and are hoping the pitching can once again be one of the league's best as the Braves look to no longer be a one hit wonder.

 

Thirty-seven year-old Tim Hudson will anchor the staff with his pitching and leadership.  He led all starters last year with 16 wins.  Hopefully this isn't "the year" in which age catches up to him.  Kris Medlan and Mike Minor will follow Hudson.  Both had good years last year with Medlan coming out of the bullpen for the most part.  This year each will need to guard against a let down as Atlanta will count on them as the number two and three starters.  Veteran Paul Maholm will be right behind the youngsters and inconsistent Julio Teheran will be the fifth starter until Brandon Beach returns from Tommy John surgery. Overall this is a nice group but with the youngsters and an aging Tim Hudson it wouldn't take much for the staff to be in disarray. 

 

The bullpen is anchored by closer extraordinaire Craig Kimbrel.  No issues there.  The rest of the bullpen is filled with players who have helped Atlanta's bullpen be among the best in the majors the last two years.  They include Eric O'Flaherty, Johnny Venters, Jordan Walden (acquired from Angels), and Luis Avilen.  A few youngsters who pitched well in short stints with the Braves last year will round out the pen.  I like the bullpen and feel very comfortable with it going into the season.

 

The big news of the off season was the acquisition of the Upton brothers, Justin and B.J.  The outfield hasn't looked this good in some time with Jason Heyward anchoring right field.  Justin is the real deal young star talent.  Hopefully his brother will feed off the family reunion and be able to cut down on his strikeouts while getting on base better than in his time with Tampa Bay.  Heyward mature at the plate last year and Braves fans are hoping for even more this year.  First baseman Freddie Freeman also had a very good year leading the team with 94 runs batted in.  These four give Atlanta a great core with power and some speed while allowing Atlanta to exploit left right match ups.  Rookie Andrelton Simmons will take over at shortstop.  Looks like he can make contact but he'll be put into the lead off spot so we'll see if he can be patient while getting on base.  Brian McCann and Dan Uggla had bad years.  Evan Gattis could be the catcher of the immediate future if McCann can't bounce back or doesn't resign after this year.   Uggla has to have a better year this year or he may go down as one of the all-time worst free agent signings.  If he doesn't improve I'd be OK with him being moved sooner than later.  Third base has a big hole to fill with Chipper Jones retiring.  Newcomer Chris Johnson and Juan Francsisco will share time here.  I think Johnson has the edge with more time but is also a guy who can strike out a lot.  Speaking of, this whole lineup can strike out a lot.  Not saying they'll set any records there but if things are going wrong it could go way wrong.  But I like the changes.  The lineup has more overall pop than it has in years and should be better.  I don't think the offense will be derailed.  Too many good players here.

 

I like manager Fredi Gonzalez and think he has done well in his tenure with a group of, for the most part, young players.  The National League East will be tough as always.  Not sure what to expect from Philly but Washington has plenty of talent and I don't see a letdown there.  I think Atlanta makes the playoffs but again as a wild card.  I'm worried about the starting staff.  If all goes well the Braves could win the East but I'm not quite sure that will happen this year.  I'll go with 90 wins.  GO BRAVOS!