ALCS Predictions

Well, we can only predict the first 4 games as probable starters have been announced for those four matchups.

Boston v. Cleveland

Game 1: Beckett (67%) v Sabathia (74%)- Advantage: Cleveland

Game 2: Schilling (58%) v Carmona (81%) – Advantage: Cleveland

Game 3: Matsuzaka (56%) v Westbrook (60%) – Advantage: Cleveland

Game 4: Wakefield (48%) v Byrd (48%) – Tossup

Well, the Sox certainly have their work cut out for them. Sabathia and Carmona are on the short lis, along with Beckett, for AL Cy Young. Both of them had quality starts in their only starts against the Sox this year as did Paul Byrd. Westbrook did not.

Sox starters Beckett and Schilling also had quality starts in their solo outing against the Tribe, Dice-K had one QS in two starts. Tim Wakefield did not face the Indians this season. He has only faced the Tribe twice in the last three seasons (1 QS).

So what should you expect in this series? Well, we are looking at the best two rotations in the AL this season, by ERA. Hitters working long counts to push up pitch counts so they can get to the bullpens early. The Sox have a bullpen advantage. The team that holds the lead after 5 innings will have a significant advantage in getting the win, nothing new, but really important in this series. Work the count, foul off some pitches, get the starter out of the game. Fortunately, for me, a Sox fan, I know that the Sox do this every single game.

QS Prediction: Cleveland in 6