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.

10/4: That’s all, folks

GAME NOTES: Clay Buchholz gets a tune-up before the regular season ends. Keep an eye on the Tigers/Twins. If both win or lose, a playoff game will have to occur Tuesday afternoon -- meaning the Sox won't know if Game 1 of the ALDS is Wednesday or Thursday. Personally, I'm hoping the Tigers pull it out. It'll get the Sox time to finalize plans, and Detroit has the better team on paper to beat New York.

POLL: Outcome of ALDS series

Predict the outcome of the Sox/Angels ALDS series.

Sunday Notes: Wake done, Farrell staying, etc.

Happy Sunday, everyone. It's the last day of the 2009 regular season. Mixed emotions abound... a dark winter is foretold, but the most exciting time in baseball is well within our grasp. Let's check out what's going on in Red Sox land...

BOS 11, CLE 6: Bats Boost Beckett Past Indians

The Boston bats had Beckett's back last night, in a big way. Alliteration aside, the Red Sox starter struggled through five innings, but came up with the win, his seventeenth of the season, as the Sox took a third game from the Cleveland Indians. With only one game left in the regular season, the quiet Red Sox backs woke up, as Aaron Laffey and the rest of the Tribe's pen were lit up, on the way to an 11-6 loss.

10/3: No more Joshin’

GAME NOTES: For the Sox to go far, Jon Lester and Josh Beckett need to be at the top of their game. Lester's looking good. Is Beckett?

BOS 6, CLE 2: Sox Take Two from Cleveland

“Effective” isn’t a term often used to describe Daisuke Matsuzaka’s outings, but that’s exactly what he looked like in last night’s start, as the Red Sox took a second win off of the Cleveland Indians, 6-2.

Alex Gonzalez hurt? Uh-oh…

UPDATE: X-Rays negative, will be fine. Whew. Alex Gonzalez was injured during Friday's game, when it was hit by a pitch. Preliminary x-rays showed a "line" on his right hand, which means it could be fractured. A more intensive x-ray is being taken Saturday. It would be a huge blow to lose A-Gon, as we also don't have Nick Green around to back up. Shortstop could be a VERY, VERY big hole in the playoffs. I'm concerned. Are you?