The annual Fall Classic is just a mere few hours away. With the Boston Red Sox slated to host the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight in Game 1, here are a few storylines to watch.
- How will Chris Sale look?
The southpaw has not been his usual self on the mound this postseason, as his velocity has been down across the board. Sale’s longest outing this postseason was when he went 5.1 innings in Game 1 against the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Despite giving up just one hit, his most recent outing certainly caused some level of concern, as he lasted just four innings and allowed four walks in the Game 1 loss to the Houston Astros in the ALCS.
While many are concerned with the velocity, and rightfully so, another aspect to keep in mind when it comes to Sale is how he is locating his slider. The Dodgers have multiple lefties in the lineup, headlines by Joc Pederson and Max Muncy. If Sale’s slider is working, it can be a hard pitch for lefties to pick up due to his delivery.
2. Can David Price continue to ride the momentum?
Yes, David Price looked masterful in Game 5 of the ALCS against Justin Verlander. After picking up his first win in the postseason as a starter, many believe that Price is finally reaching his full potential.
The win against the Astros is all fine and dandy and was a great night for the lefty, but if he goes out in Game 2 and delivers a performance similar to the outing against the Yankees in which he gave up three runs in 1.2 innings, will any of that previous feeling matter? No. The pressure will be on Price, especially if the Red Sox fall in Game 1 due to a generational talent on the hill for the Dodgers in Clayton Kershaw.
To add to the matter, Price, as well as everyone else on the Red Sox, has not been playing as strong as they are on the road at the friendly confines at Fenway Park. Boston is just 2-2 in the postseason at home after having a regular season record of 57-24. While they are undefeated on the road this postseason, the Red Sox should try and take care of business at home, especially with the cold conditions being in their factor.
The offense certainly needs to be better, as it has averaged four runs a game at home, compared to eight on the road in the postseason.
3. Will Mookie Betts play second base?
This discussion has garnered some traction the past few days. When the Red Sox head to Los Angeles, manager Alex Cora will have to decide what to do with the AL MVP candidate. There is no question that Betts will be in the lineup, the only question is where.
The Red Sox were concerned with their defense at second base, and elected to acquire veteran Ian Kinsler at the deadline in July. The Dodgers have a spacious outfield with a lot of ground to cover, and you cannot afford to keep J.D. Martinez out of the lineup, despite his defensive deficiencies.
Jackie Bradley Jr. is one of the best outfielders in the league, and even with him earning MVP of the ALCS honors with two clutch home runs and a bases loaded clearing double, those were his only three hits of the series. This will be a tough decision for Cora to make. Betts was a former second baseman in the minor leagues, and even played the position during a regular season contest this year.
We will find out the answer on Friday in Game 3.
4. Can Craig Kimbrel be a reliable closer?
The closer certainly has a flair for the dramatic. Kimbrel has been shaky to say the least, as he may have taken a few years off the lives of Red Sox fans this postseason. If it weren’t for two incredible defensive plays that bailed him out (the combo of Eduardo Nunez and Steve Pearce in Game 4 of the ALDS and Andrew Benintendi’s diving catch in Game 4 of the ALCS), the Red Sox may not be playing in the World Series.
Kimbrel has posted a 7.11 ERA in five appearances so far this postseason. Cora has shown faith in Kimbrel throughout the first two rounds, it’s time for the flamethrower to reward the first-year manager for his confidence.
