This should be a series where runs are tough to come by. Both teams have great starting pitching, although I would give the Sox a slight edge because they have four reliable starters, while the Astros have three. I think the Astros have the edge in the bullpen though with Brad Lidge and some competent setup guys. The Sox bullpen is a concern just because nobody's thrown a pitch in anger in two weeks.
On offense, I think the Sox have an edge, but once again, it's slight. Both teams rely more on small ball than they do the three-run homer, but I think the Sox are better able to generate the long ball at any spot in the lineup.
The National League team always has an edge in its park because AL pitchers aren't used to hitting. On the other hand, NL teams always have someone who can be a decent DH. The Astros have Jeff Bagwell on their bench and he figures to see some time at DH in Chicago.
Both teams are solid in the field, capable of making the spectacular play without sacrificing the routine.
My sincere hope is that we have our first postseason series in 2005 where we don't spend two days micro-analyzing some lousy call by an ump.
Sox in 7.
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One factor in the Sox favor - the Astros pitchers benefitted in the previous two series b/c they faced Atlanta and especially St. Louis so many times. They won't get that benefit in this series, b/c they have never faced the White Sox so they are not familiar with the Sox hitters. I think this was mentioned on FOX.
You would think Clemens and Pettite would have seen some of those guys in the AL. Certainly, the Sox pitchers have seen very little of the Astros.
The futility is almost over for the Sox (and Chicago area, not that the North-siders care) as they are up 2-0 now. Incredible luck appears to be *FINALLY* on Chicago's side now, with the big home runs last night. Historically, 3 teams have raised the bar for championship futility. This year will be for the White Sox; last year went to the BoSox; next year??? Maybe there's hope for the North-siders afterall. Or maybe 2003 was there year and Bartman changed all that....
Tonight's Game #3 is huge. This is Houston's chance to get back in the Series. They will have Roy Oswalt going for them at home. The Sox will be at a huge disadvantage b/c the pitcher has to bat (no DH). Jon Garland is good, so the Sox have a chance.
As for the '03 Cubs, they have nobody to blame except themselves. They had THREE chances to win the series, including two at Wrigley Field. Of course, the Bartman situation didn't help them, but that is not the reason why the Cubs lost.
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