Wholesale Keychain TRIVIA: 292.5 games behind 1st

In what six-season span did the Red Sox finish a cumulative 292.5 games behind first place?

New Fire Brand shirt: Jacoby Ellsbury’s “There’s No Place Like Home”

Answering Kurkjian’s Questions

In his preview of the Angels/Red Sox impending match up, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjain asks five questions about the series.

*What is it about the number five that makes it so tidy for lists of this sort?

Here are my responses to Tim’s questions. Consider this answers from one Tim to another.

So, who’s winning this Sox/Angels battle?

The Red Sox are set to do battle with the Angels later this week to decide who gets to play for the American League pennant. Boston and Los Angeles are certainly familiar with each other, having done battle in the 2004, ‘07 and ‘08 DCS. In fact, Boston went 9-1 in those games and the Angels’ futility extends all the way bac to 1986 and Donnie Moore.

Do the Angels have a chance to put their Boston voodoo behind them or will the Sawx manhandle L.A. all the way towards what seems to be an inevitable date with the Evil Empire?

Read on to see pitching breakdowns, a look at the offense and defense, musings on hometown advantages, and the official prediction.

Anaheim Angels’ ALDS Roster

Mike Scioscia released his postseason roster on Sunday, giving fans even more to feast on as the postseason nears. The team will consist of 15 position players and 10 pitchers.

Position Players

Catchers (3)

Primary: Mike Napoli

Reserves (2): Jeff Mathis, Bobby Wilson

While Napoli is the Angels’ primary catcher, Mathis will begin the series catching Lackey – much to the Sox’ benefit. Mathis is a very poor hitter (.211/.288/.308), so his free at-bats will kill any rallies when he limps to the plate. Wilson, the team’s #3 catcher, will provide depth and late-inning roster flexibility.

BOS 12, CLE 7: The Long and Winding Win

It may not have been the way that Clay Buchholz wanted to head into the post season, but a win is a win in professional sports, as the Red Sox took their 95th win of the season off of the Cleveland Indians, 12-7, on Sunday.

Buchholz only lasted three innings, but the run support was there in droves, as J.D. Drew clocked two, Jed Lowrie belted a grand slam, and Alex Gonzalez made sure that everyone knew he was doing just fine with another home run, just to name a few.