Tasty Tidbits for Sox’s Series

Posted by Mike Giardi October 1, 2008 at 9:37 pm

A few things as we gear up for Game One of the ALDS between the Red Sox and Angels.

• I keep hearing all this talk about how Mark Teixeira has changed the Angels lineup. Oh sure, he’s put up impressive numbers (.358, 13, 43) since being acquired at the trade deadline for the easily forgotten Casey Kotchman and prospects. But the Halos had their worst year at the plate since 2003 average-wise, and even Teixeira’s patience (32 walks in 54 games) did little to influence that free-swinging bunch. Don’t expect Vlad (51 walks), Garret Anderson (29), Howie Kendrick (12) or Torii Hunter (50) to change their aggressive approach, even when Dice-K takes the hill in Game 2. It’s just not their nature, even when it should be.
• We hear so much about the Angels generating runs, but the Sox can - and should - run on these guys. Catchers Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis aren’t very good at throwing out would-be base stealers, especially Napoli, who’s in the lineup tonight (Team ERA with Napoli 4.45. With Mathis 3.65). The Sox have the blazing fast and red-hot Jacoby Ellsbury back at the top of the lineup, Dustin Pedroia’s been caught stealing just once in 21 attempts, and Coco Crisp has another 20 coming off the bench. The Sox should get the green light, and run the ultra-aggressive Angels into the ground.
• The “great” Angels bullpen has an ERA that is just a fraction better than the “suspect” Sox (3.65 to 3.73). But the Halos do have Jose Arredondo setting up for Frankie Rodriguez. The Sox don’t have anyone of that ilk, unless Hideki Okajima reverts to 2007 form. Arredondo has been filthy at home, holding hitters to a .209 average. Against lefties (hello, David Ortiz), the silky righthander has been virtually untouchable (.148).

So what’s it all mean? I say the Sox win in 5. Call me an optimist, but I just don’t believe the Angels are a better team, even with the Sox as beat up as they are.