It's often said that history repeats itself. In the case of the 2007 World Series, the past is likely to do so.
Everyone remembers 2004: the year the Boston Red Sox finally overcame the curse. What made that year so remarkable was not just that a team suffering from an 86-year World Championship drought ended it, but that it came back from a 3-0 deficit to the Evil Empire of New York to get to the October Classic at all. Once there, it swept through the St. Louis Cardinals, and the rest is history.
So, while there might be no curse to end this season, the Red Sox still enter the Series against the Colorado Rockies with the same fire as in 2004. Down 3-1 to a very good Cleveland Indians team and more than written off by most, Boston came through again ' and in convincing fashion, winning by six, 11 and 12 in the final three games.
The Red Sox offense decimated two starters in C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona that are far superior to anyone the Rockies can throw. Sure, those pitchers were pitching in their first American League Championship Series, but the Colorado rotation isn't exactly playoff-worn either. No potential starter in the Rockie lineup had thrown in the playoffs until this season.
What about that much-touted Rockie offense? It's been impressive so far, but Josh Beckett has a way of silencing hefty lineups (ask the Indians in Game 1 and Game 5). Beckett has started three games in the 2007 playoffs and won all three with a 1.17 ERA. He could throw up to three games against the Rockies if needed, and that all but assures at least three wins will go to the Red Sox.
Don't get me wrong, the Rockies are a great story, and the romantic in me hopes they can pull off the improbable. But there seems to be a new Evil Empire emerging, and this time it's a little north of Yankee Stadium.
17 Archives
Dylan Scott
200710245950midsize.jpeg
