Hot Corner - Reverse the Curse, Attempt #86

With David Ortiz smashing a game-winning homer and Alex Rodriguez crossing home plate, the tone is set for the AL Championship Series, which opens Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees won the ALCS matchup with the Red Sox last October on Aaron Boone's homer in the 11th inning of Game 7 off of Tim Wakefield.

Boston spent the offseason competing with the Yankees for Rodriguez and others, then went 11-8 against the Yankees this year, finishing three games back in the AL East but winning the wild card. The Red Sox then swept Anaheim in the first round.

Many baseball fans across America think this is the year for the Sawx to spit on the "Curse of the Bambino". I tend to see their point seeing that the Red Sox have improved and matured since that bitter day back in October.

The Yankees have Joe Torre, captain Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and the best team that money can buy. The Red Sox have finished second place to the Bronx Bombers for seven consecutive season. However, the Red Sox are a far better team than they were at this time last year.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein made two key offseason moves for the 2004 season. Curt Schilling was acquired to help bolster the Red Sox rotation, which was in need of another arm. Epstein also signed AL Rolaids Reliever of the Year Keith Foulke, who ended the closer-by-committee situation.

At the trade deadline, the Red Sox made a handful of key moves to strengthen the defense. Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz were acquired in the 3-team trade for Nomar Garciaparra. Cabrera is an defensive upgrade over "Nomah" and Mientkiewicz is a Gold Glove fielder. Dave Roberts, who was acquired from the Dodgers, added excellent speed and good range.

Both teams are mostly known for their offense, but this series will come down to pitching. Boston has the edge, considerating that the Yankees' rotation isn't as strong as it's been in years past.

Boston also has the most useful bench in baseball. The Red Sox can field a speedy lineup or a power lineup; a right-handed lineup or a left-handed lineup.

Boston's goal this year like every other is to win their first World Series Championship since 1918. Compared to last October, this year's Red Sox have a greater potential to "Reverse the Curse".




More Stories - < Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 Next >