Mad.. I'm usually with you on most picks, butI havce to warn you about your statement about the Boston pen.
"Boston will not let its pen get in the way of their WS hopes"
This statement, as great as it sound to a Sox fan, or someone who bet on the Sox (myself included), it is entirely unrealistic. Of course the pen will get in the way. Pedro is their only pitcher who might sniff past the 6th or 7th inning, so in one way, they would LOVE to conserve their pen tonight to save them for when Wakefield or Lowe get shelled.. BUT if they are up by a considerable amount, say more than 2-3 runs, a manager, no matter how bad his bullpen is, must show some confidence in their players, especially in game 1 of the playoffs. Having worked in the last 3 years as a clubhouse manager in AA baseball, I know that noone is more fragile on a baseball team than a reliver. They are guys who need their teammates/coaches confidence more than anyone else. unless they are either complete nutcases like Beck, Gagne, Fetters, etc... But the Sox' pen is full of shaky, unconfident players. Tonight will be a good indicator of what kind of playoff team this is. If they are up in the 8th like say 3-1, 4-1, 4-2 or whatever and Pedro is still in, they may as well go home for the season. No matter how bad a pen is, they absolutely need them to win this and any other series. They need Pedro healthy and fresh for game 4 or 5. I can't predict whether or not they will be effective, but I expect Little to use his pen tonight.
Relivers arn't important in winning a WS? 2 of the last 7 WS MVP's have been relivers. This will be the Sox' downfall, but not until the next round.
I'm not good at typing/saying what I mean, I hope this makes some sense. Basically, with the Sox lineup and pen, I wouldn't touch any o/u for this series.
