CATCHER: Cards’ Mike Matheny is as solid as it gets defensively. But Jason Varitek not only wields big stick and astute game-calling ability, he’s Boston’s heart and soul.
EDGE: RED SOX
FIRST BASE: Gotta love Kevin Millar’s feistiness and cowboy mentality. As NLCS MVP and sport’s best right-handed hitter, though, Albert Pujols is incomparable.
EDGE: CARDINALS
SECOND BASE: Struggling players who had late LCS surges, Tony Womack and Mark Bellhorn offer varying strengths – Womack’s speed vs. Bellhorn’s power. Call it a draw.
EDGE: EVEN
THIRD BASE: Bill Mueller’s Game 4 single off Mariano Rivera was maybe Sox’ biggest hit of season. But other than A-Rod, there is no better all-around third baseman than Scott Rolen.
EDGE: CARDINALS
SHORTSTOP: Fine matchup between two of position’s most underrated players. Orlando Cabrera has been a boon, but Edgar Renteria is bit better in every category – power, speed, defensive wizardry and October history.
EDGE: CARDINALS
LEFT FIELD: Could have used an RBI or 10 from Manny Ramirez in ALCS, but he’s still lethal hitter. Is way overdue for an explosion. Reggie Sanders had dreadful NLCS.
EDGE: RED SOX
CENTER FIELD: Two superb players who had enormously clutch LCS homers. Sox take cue from Johnny Damon, who finally busted out in Game 7. But Jim Edmonds can beat you in every way. EDGE: CARDINALS
RIGHT FIELD: Mid-season POY (Pick-up of the Year) Larry Walker has been sensational in Busch. Trot Nixon needs to break out of slump and could sit for Millar in Games 3-5.
EDGE: CARDINALS
DH/BENCH: ALCS MVP David Ortiz has been postseason’s breakout star. Unfortunately for Sox, DH must play first base in Games 3-5, with Millar sitting or replacing Nixon. Cards have no true DH and bench of Roger Cedeno, Marlon Anderson and John Mabry can’t compare to Ortiz, Pokey Reese, Dave Roberts and Doug Mientkiewicz.
EDGE: RED SOX
STARTING PITCHING: Here’s where things even out. Sox have two best arms (Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez) and another (Derek Lowe) who’s on a tear. Cards come at you with slew of above-average guys but no ace. It’s a problem, though watch Schilling’s ankle.
EDGE: RED SOX
BULLPEN: Amazing that Keith Foulke’s arm hasn’t fallen off with amount he’s pitched. But he has been fantastic and Mike Timlin, Alan Embree and Bronson Arroyo offer options. Jason Isringhausen is strong and lefties Ray King and Steve Kline (if he can pitch) could figure big against Ortiz. Still …
EDGE: RED SOX
MANAGER: Sox fans who were calling for Terry Francona’s head after Game 3 probably want him bronzed now after every move worked in miracle comeback. Is on roll, but Tony LaRussa has done this before.
EDGE: CARDS
PREDICTION: Even facing mighty Sox lineup, Cards have offensive edge here. But Boston is huge on the mound and will have home-field advantage in sure-to-be-delirious Fenway. Besides, after miracle comeback against Yanks, Sox are believing. So are we – this is Boston’s time and the Sox’s year.
RED SOX IN SIX.