2009 ALDS: Previewing Sox vs Angels
The Red Sox have dominated the Angels in the playoffs ever since 1986, when Dave Henderson hit one of the most memorable home runs in baseball history. Regardless of that, I’m quite sick of seeing them. The Angels, their fans, their Thundersticks and Rally Monkeys, they can all go to hell. I’ve had it with their annoying pitching staff, and their overrated manager.
If you see any of the Angels square to bunt or attempt a steal, I suggest you mute your television, as you know the national announcers will absolutely eat up the whole “small ball” concept. This is, of course, despite the fact that the Red Sox have been better base stealers than Anaheim this year (76% vs 70%).
Anyway, let’s compare the two offenses, and try to figure out who has the upper hand.
Catcher:
| BOS | Victor Martinez | 7.8 RC/G |
| BOS | Jason Varitek | 4.2 RC/G |
| LAA | Mike Napoli | 6.2 RC/G |
| LAA | Jeff Mathis | 2.9 RC/G |
I know we love to complain about Jason Varitek’s offensive impotence, but imagine having Jeff Mathis as a backup catcher? I’m going to guess (read: hope) that Terry Francona surrenders to common sense and plays Martinez behind the plate for the first three games of the series at the very least. Assuming this happens; advantage Boston.
First Base:
| BOS | Kevin Youkilis | 8.8 RC/G |
| BOS | Casey Kotchman | 2.6 RC/G |
| LAA | Kendry Morales | 6.8 RC/G |
This is where it gets a little tricky. Everything here is dependent on Mike Lowell’s durability, or lack thereof. If Lowell is able to move, he will likely be stationed a third base. Whatever the Sox lose in defensive ability, they hope to recoup on the offensive end if Lowell is playing instead of the dreadful Casey Kotchman.
Morales has been good all year, but Youkilis has been a little better. I’m guessing that Kotchman will play against John Lackey (Lowell is .143/.182/.143 against our favorite brain damaged right-hander), which brings this 1B matchup to a draw.
Second Base:
| BOS | Dustin Pedroia | 5.9 RC/G |
| LAA | Howie Kendrick | 5.2 RC/G |
Both teams have young line-drive hitters at 2B. The reigning MVP has been shining a little brighter than Kendrick, who has yet to live up to his minor league hype. Advantage Boston.
Shortstop:
| BOS | Alex Gonzalez | 4.7 RC/G |
| LAA | Erick Aybar | 5.3 RC/G |
Keep in mind, we are only measuring offense here, and will touch on defense later. Gonzalez isn’t normally a 5 RC/G type of guy, so that number is a little inflated by his hot streak during a small sample of at-bats. Aybar (and his henchman, Maicer Izturis) have the edge at the plate. Advantage Anaheim.
Third Base
| BOS | Kevin Youkilis | 8.8 RC/G |
| BOS | Mike Lowell | 4.8 RC/G |
| LAA | Chone Figgins | 6.8 RC/G |
As mentioned above, I’ll assume that Lowell plays two of the first three games (sitting against Lackey). While his season has been decent overall, his recent numbers are alarming for a guy who has more prescription bottles in his glove compartment than Rush Limbaugh: .239/.309/.324 since September 1st. His bat has begun to look as tired as his glove. Not a good sign.
Contrast that to Chone Figgins, a notorious Red Sox killer: .307/.382/.412 against Boston on his career, including .364/.440/.455 against Josh Beckett. This is without even considering the damage he can do on the basepaths with guys like Martinez and Varitek behind the plate. Advantage Anaheim.
Outfield
| BOS | Jason Bay | 7.7 RC/G |
| BOS | Jacoby Ellsbury | 5.6 RC/G |
| BOS | J.D. Drew | 7.5 RC/G |
| LAA | Juan Rivera | 5.2 RC/G |
| LAA | Torii Hunter | 6.9 RC/G |
| LAA | Bobby Abreu | 6.3 RC/G |
The Red Sox boast one of the best outfields in the league, from an offensive standpoint. A textbook combination of a speedy lead-off man in CF, sandwiched in between two stone-cold sluggers at the corners. Regarding J.D. Drew’s health, nothing says “I’m healthy” like belting two home runs during the final regular season game. Advantage Boston.
Designated Hitter
| BOS | David Ortiz | 5.3 RC/G |
| LAA | Vlad Guererro | 4.9 RC/G |
Both teams feature former legends on the backswing of their careers. Ortiz gets the edge due to his incredible second-half surge. Slight advantage Boston.
Seems like things are leaning in Boston’s favor thus far, but I think a few of these “advantages” are extremely marginal. Coming up next, we’ll take a look at pitching and defense.
You forgot 3B! Figgins looks pretty good this year but I would say even running a combo of Youk and Lowell the advantage is Sox just due to possible time by Youk.
Good call Craigga. Classic brain fart on my part. I’ll add it now.
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