Tonight the start of the 2013 World Series begins at Fenway Park at 8 pm. Both teams are very talented, and the Cardinal are looking for revenge on the Red Sox from 2004, as the Red Sox strive for their third title in ten years. It is set to be a fantastic and exciting World Series, and I look forward to watching it. Here are the five x-factors in the series.
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| Allen Craig Hitting |
Allen Craig
Allen Craig was a big part in the Cardinals season, until injuring his foot six weeks ago on September fourth. Craig comes back from his injury and will be the Designated Hitter in games one and two at Fenway Park. Craig is looking to bring his bat into the Cardinals lineup. He hit .315 this season with 13 home runs and 97 RBI's. If Allen can put up numbers like this in the playoffs, then St. Louis should have an easier time scoring runs. The Cardinals need Craig to return strong, if his foot affects his production, then he is no use to the them and will lower their production on offense. St. Louis fans are hoping Craig can return healthy to give them a nice boost on offense.
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| Uehara celebrating |
Koji Uehara
It would be a smart idea for dictionary companies to add Uehara's name under the definition of lights out, because that is what he has been. With the exception of the one walk off homerun in Tampa Bay, Uehara has been unstoppable. It is an accomplishment to make contact against Uehara. Koji has 13 strike outs and an ERA of 1.00 in his nine innings this postseason. After watching Uehara's splitter, you will understand why he has such good stats. All Uehara has to do is keep up his unstoppable pitching, and he will give the Red Sox a good chance at winning the World Series.
| Beltran hitting vs the Pittburg Pirates |
Carlos Beltran
Carlos Beltran is considered one of the Cardinals best hitters. Now, at 36 years old, he is a veteran playing in his first World Series. Beltran is going to have to keep cool and play well, and not let his emotions overtake him. I highly doubt they will, even though he hasn't played in a World Series, he has been around long enough where I think he won't be overwhelmed. Beltran will have to put good numbers up on the big stage, or the Cardinals will not win.
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| Xander Bogaerts fielding a ball at shortstop |
Xander Bogaerts
Not many people outside of Boston know about Bogaerts, and that is because he is a rookie. Bogaerts, at age 21, is looking to get playing time against the Cardinals in the World Series. Bogaerts has gotten some playing time behind Drew and Middlebrooks this season. Drew is a veteran, and will probably not be taken out, but Middlebrooks is very inconsistent and young as well. Bogaerts will get some playing time at third base, and will have to make his name known on the big stage. It would be a great sign for the Red Sox if Bogaerts can perform under so much pressure, as he is there young prospect with the most potential. IF Xander can perform, then he will help the Red Sox a lot in scoring much needed runs against another strong pitching staff.
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| The Green Monster at Fenway Park |
As shown in the last series against the Tigers, the Green Monster can play a big part in games at Fenway Park. The Tiger had a lot of trouble figuring out how to field balls off of the Green Monster, and the Red Sox took advantage of that with extra bases. The Cardinals haven't seen the Green Monster at all this year, and have rarely seen it in previous years. They will have to learn the specifics of the Green Monster to limit the Red Sox extra bases. It is a three man job. The center fielder directs the the left fielder and is backup, and the shortstop is an outlet. It is important to do this the right way, or the ball could take a bounce to an open spot, letting runners to advance extra bases. If the Cardinals do not figure out the Green Monster, than it could be a long series for them. Obviously the main battle will be between all of the stars, but these are five things that could give one team or another a nice advantage. Look for these x factors while watching the games, they could easily affect the outcome of the series.
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