Wacky World Series

This is the first World Series in a little while that I'm actually interested in. As a sports fan I was interested in '04, you pretty much had to be, but it seemed like a series that was decided before it started. I didn't think the Cardinals had a chance and the games were a series of anti-climaxes. This series on the other hand? It's only the most intriguing baseball match-up in a long time.

First, there's the Colorado Rockies. It's really hard to know what to expect from this team, because you can't set the bar too high or too low. On one hand, they're practically the hottest team ever, on a nigh unprecedented winning streak. They looked like they'd never lose in the first two rounds, to the point that Kaz Matsui is driving in runs like he's Ted Williams. They're playing unbelievably well and so it'd be fair to expect them to have a heck of a series. On the other hand, they're the ultimate "happy to be here" team. Nobody expected anything from them when the season started, or at the All-Star break, or even when they made it into the playoffs. If they lose, they're still a great story and one of the best Cinderella stories of recent times. If I were a Rockies fan, I'd have no idea where to set my level of expectation. Add to this the fact that while they have been scorching hot, they've had nine days off. This team has basically no history, so who can say how they'll react after that kind of break?

Then there's the Sox. Rolled through the regular season, with some bumps here and there, but clearly an elite team and one of the best in baseball. They do have some holes and some warts and because they've been analyzed to death we know them all. Nonetheless, on paper they're clearly the more established, more experienced, and more talented team. However, this series is potentially a terrible match-up. Sure they've got number one stud Josh Beckett at home to open. But during the regular season the Rockies hung six runs on him (the most he gave up all year), at home, and chased him out of the game. Sure they've got better 1-4 pitchers on paper. But Dice (playoff shaky) and Wakefield are due up at Coors field and they both rely on movement in their pitches. Altitude+breaking balls=sadness, see Mike Hampton. Note: what I said about Wakefield no longer applies, since they're starting Lester. If he's 100% that's a great move, way to go Terry.

Finally, there's the question of who's got the better home field advantage. Fenway's going to be rocking and rolling and there's no better place to start a series if you're the home team. Once again though, the Rockies can answer. There's already the altitude, and then add in the fact that due to unseasonably warm temperatures on the East coast the Sox will go from playing in mild 65 degree nights to a nasty 30-33. If you're a Sox fan and saw that Sunday night game between the Broncos and Steelers and saw the snow, you'll be nervous.

I don't have a prediction, but I'm watching every game of this one. It should be stellar.