Zac Efron is pretty dreamy
by Ronnie Turner
Neither team has a significant edge heading into the World Series.
If there’s one thing that separates the two teams, it’s their bullpens. Colorado has more reliable arms in its bullpen, which gives it a slight edge against Boston.
The Rockies’ bullpen has pitched extremely well in the postseason. Through seven playoff games, Colorado relievers have combined for a 4-0 record and 1.61 ERA with six saves. Closer Manny Corpas (1-0, 1.04 ERA, 5 saves in 6 chances) has led the way.
Boston’s bullpen (3.68 ERA in the postseason) hasn’t been as shut down, and outside of Jonathan Papelbon (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 save) and Hideki Okajima (0.00 ERA in five appearances), the options aren’t great.
The World Series could come down to a battle of the bullpens. Colorado’s bullpen is armed and ready. Boston could use another reliable arm.
Grade: F
Check his socks – they’re red
by Scott Gonzales
Home-field advantage at Fenway Park, three World Series MVPs and momentum are three reasons why Boston has an edge, Ronnie.
It is true that Colorado is on an unbelievable run and that they should not be counted out of this series for a number of reasons, their bullpen being one of them, but an eight-day layover will put a stop to the "Rolling Rox."
The Rockies may have won against Cole Hamels and Brandon Webb, but the Sox have defeated John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona, all of whom have at least 18 wins on the season.
The bullpens will be a big part of how the Series ends, but I think that the starting pitching will determine more.
After six games, the Sox will be celebrating at the Fens.
Grade: A+
The chickens haven’t hatched yet
by Chris McCown
On paper, the Red Sox should cakewalk to the crown, but the Rockies have a lot of advantages that they can use.
For one thing, Franklin Morales and Ubaldo Jimenez haven’t been in the league long enough for advance scouting to be able to figure out their flaws yet.
The Rockies spent those days off watching the Red Sox play extra games, and they probably have a great idea of exactly what the Sox are capable of doing.
Talent-wise, the Red Sox are better.
But if recent playoff history has taught us anything, it’s that it doesn’t really matter. The Cardinals won the World Series last year with a team that was barely over .500 and didn’t even really belong in the playoffs.
The Rockies will hoist the crown at Fenway, and FOX will get a lot of shots of whiny Boston fans instead of focusing on the team that just won the Series.
Grade: B
Impressions aren’t his specialty
by Judge Dredd
Judge Dredd can’t believe Ronnie started Fighting Words off with that sissified mess.
"Look at me, I’m Ronnie Turner and I can’t man up and pick a team because I’d rather go watch High School Musical while putting on raspberry-flavored lip gloss. So I’ll just take the easy way out and throw in a lot of stats and not answer the question."
That was Judge Dredd’s best Ronnie Turner impression.
Mr. Turner, Judge Dredd awards you no points, and may God have Mercy on your soul.
Boston’s starting rotation is solid enough to keep the series close in between Beckett’s starts, and its offense has been incredible in the last three games. Nine days off will definitely cool off what was the hottest team in baseball. Look for the Sox to take it in six.
The winner: Scott
FACETIME: Nobody does it better. Makes me feel sad for the rest.
