1 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Both the Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies have overcome major deficits to find themselves on the biggest stage in baseball, the World Series. The Red Sox, a blend of youth and experience, are heading into their tenth World Series in franchise history. The Rockies, fueled by a host of young talent, have been in existence for less than two decades and are headed to their first World Series appearance.

The Red Sox led the American League's Eastern Division nearly wire-to-wire. When they clinched the division championship, it was their first since 1995, though they have made the playoffs via the Wild Card several times since then. Securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs, they started the Division Series at home against the Los Angeles Angels. Behind ace Josh Beckett's dominant pitching performance, the Red Sox shut out the Angels in game one. Scoring 15 runs over the next two games, the Red Sox made quick work of the Angels, earning a spot in the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Indians.

Beckett continued his dominance, leading the Red Sox to a victory in game one against the Indians. Yet, the rest of the pitching faltered. With no Red Sox starter making it past the fifth inning, they proceeded to lose their next three games, falling to the brink of elimination with Cleveland's ace C.C. Sabathia ready to pitch game five. Beckett pitched game five, dominating once again, bringing the series back to Boston for a sixth game. Curt Schilling found his groove, as did Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Red Sox offense, leading the Red Sox back from a three games to one deficit to punch a ticket to their second World Series in four years.

Boston has made it to where they are through pitching. Their team ERA of 3.87 was the lowest in the AL, led by Cy Young Award candidate Josh Beckett at 3.27. Relief pitchers Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Mike Timlin, and Manny Delcarmen have combined for a 2.38 ERA, making for one of the most formidable bullpens in baseball. Boston's offense has gone eight batters deep, wearing down opposing pitchers, and getting on base at a .362 clip. The quartet of Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Lowell combined to drive in 408 runs, making for a scary heart of the order for opposing pitchers to deal with.

The Rockies have overcome incredible odds to get this far, bringing up memories of the nickname "Impossible Dream" from the 1965 Red Sox team. After it looked like they were not even in contention,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about MLB lining up for the 2007 World Series: The Boston Red Sox vs. Colorado Rockies?
We want to hear your view. Write now!