World Series Breakdown/Prediction

It's World Series time once again, and this should be a good one. It is extremely rare when the teams with the best record in each league face off in the Fall Classic, but that is exactly what is happening this season for the first time since 1999, as both the Cardinals(97-65) and Red Sox(97-65)have the best records in their respective leagues. Before we get into the 2013 World Series, allow me to give you a history lesson on the 3 previous times these 2 teams met up in the Fall Classic. 1946- The Cards defeated Ted Williams and the favored Red Sox in 7 games. The most famous play of the series is by far the ''Mad Dash'' by Cards outfielder Eons Slaughter.(Pictured above) The play happened when, with the game tied at 3 in the bottom of the 8th inning, Cardinal outfielder Harry Walker lined a double to left center field. Slaughter, who was on 1st, ran through 3rd Base Coach Mike Gonzalez's stop sign and scored what proved to be the serious clinching run. 1967- The Cards again prevailed over the Sox in 7 games. The Sox, led by manager Dick Williams and Triple Crown winner Carl Yastrzmeski, came from last place in 1966 to the AL Pennant in 1967, in what is know as the ''Impossible Dream'' season. The Redbirds won 3 of the first 4 games, but the Sox battled back, led by pitching ace Jim Lonborg to win the next 2 games and force a deciding Game 7. Before Game 7, Dick Williams allegedly said the line ''Longborg and Champagne'', although he disputed ever saying it. But one thing stood in Boston's way of winning their first World Series since 1918: Bob Gibson. The Cardinal Ace pitched a complete game in Game 7, and, to add insult to injury, hit a homerun too as the Cards rolled 7-2.

2004- The most memorable, yet least competitive series between these 2 teams took place in 2004. The series is memorable because the Red Sox won their 1st World Championship since 1918, breaking the infamous ''Curse of the Bambino''. The Series itself was a dud. The Sox won in 4 games and only Game 1 was exciting.

                                                                 Pitching

This is an easy one. The Cards have a very strong pitching staff anchored by Adam Wainwright, who has a very strong supporting cast which include Joe Kelly and Michael Wacha. Wacha has not allowed a run in 3 starts this postseason. While Boston's staff, which is anchored by John Lester and also includes Clay Buchholz and John Lackey, they are just slightly above average, as their 3.79 ERA ranked 14th in Baseball. Edge: St. Louis Offense

                                                                      Offense
Both teams post potent offensive attacks, but I am going to give Boston the edge here. The Sox have the perfect balance of power(David Ortiz, Mike Napoli) and speed (Jacoby Ellsbury), and were 1st in baseball in runs, On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percantage, and are 2nd in batting average. Although the Cards post a potent attack of their own, led by Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina, and will receive another boost because 1st Baseman Allen Craig is returning to the lineup, the Red Sox have the best offense not only in this series but in all of baseball.

                                          Edge: Boston

                      
                                                                     Defense
. Both of these teams play strong defense, but I will give the edge to the Redbirds here. They finished 2013 ranked 4th in the league in team fielding percentage and had an impressive 1,718 assists, and have the best defensive catcher in the game in Molina. Boston also ranks in the top 10 in fielding percentage, but St. Louis is just a little better defensively in my opinion. Edge: St. Louis Bullpen
http://bcbaseballtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Trevor+Rosenthal+Los+Angeles+Dodgers+v+St+m2wBRRyXUQvl.jpg

Bullpen 

This is a no brainer. The Cardinals bullpen has been lights out, led by hard throwing rookie closer Trevor Rosenthal, fellow rookie Kevin Siegrist(0.45 ERA in 2013) and rookie Seth Maness, the Cards pen is young, good, and throws real hard. Boston's bullpen outside of stellar closer and ALCS Mvp Koji Uehara has been OK but not overwhelming. Edge to St. Louis in this one. Edge: St. Louis Managing

                                                                         Managing
John Farrell has done an incredible job turning around the Red Sox this year, and while Mike Matheny is not bad, his in game decision making has been a little questionable to me at times. Edge: Boston Overall, I expect a very hard fought and exciting series, but I think St. Louis comes through in the end because of their pitching a knack for coming threw in the clutch. I think you will be seeing a sight similar to this very soon.

That's about it. Hope you enjoyed reading.