Backs to the Wall (As Usual)

Just once I'd like a nice Red Sox first-round postseason sweep. Unfortunately it may come today--but with the Red Sox on the losing end. A split in Anaheim would have completely changed the complexion of this series, but losing both games has many fans already waiting for next year.

I am not one of those fans. And the New York Yankees are to blame for my optimism. You see, after 2004, anything is possible. So, yeah, the Sox looked flat against the Angels in their first two postseason meetings. They could only muster four hits in each game. But they're home now, and everything changes at Fenway.

I would like to go on record as saying that choosing Clay Buchholz over Daisuke Matsuzaka is a mistake. Buchholz hasn't matured enough yet not to get rattled easily. With the entire season on the line today, that skinny kid's probably working on two hours' sleep and nursing his first ulcer. But when he's on, he's electric and that's what Terry Francona and John Farrell are counting on--along with every other fan of this team.

My Game 3 Prediction: Red Sox over Angels, 6-4.