Playoff Breakdown, Part One

As the baseball season starts to wind down, I've decided to start to break down the match ups. However, only one of the match ups have been decided already, so I can really only do the one right now. After tonight, I'm pretty sure at least one other one will be decided, so more will hopefully come in the upcoming days.

First up: Boston Red Socks vs the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Catcher: Jason Varitek/Victor Martinez vs. Mike Napoli
Advantage: Depends on who the Red Socks start. If they go with Varitek, Napoli has a significant offensive and more importantly, defensive advantage. Varitek isn't good anymore, and with the Angels speed he won't stand a chance. However, if they go with Martinez, his offense advantage over Napoli makes up for his defensive disadvantage.

First Base: Victor Martinez/Kevin Youkilis vs. Kendry Morales
Advantage: Red Socks. This one is very, very close. Morales had a great season, but he's still unproven in my mind. Martinez and Youkilis are both excellent players, especially Youkilis. Their offense, and Youkilis' defense, make the Socks better than the Angels here.

Second Base: Dustin Pedroia vs. Howie Kendrick and Maicer Izturis
Advantage: Red Socks. Pedroia is one of the best second baseman in baseball, if not the best. He's the leader of that team and the great spark on the top of the order. Kendrick and Izturis are very good, but no where near Dustin.

Third Base: Mike Lowell/Kevin Youkilis vs. Chone Figgins
Advantage: Depends on who the Red Socks start. Lowell is no better than Figgins anymore. Youkilis is better. Figgins is a great leadoff hitter, a weapon on the base paths, and very good defensively. Youkilis is amazing at defense, and great with the bat. Lowell, who is playing hurt, isn't as good anymore.

Short Stop: Alex Gonzalez vs. Erick Aybar
Advantage: Angels. Aybar has proven to be an excellent player. Gonzalez isn't bad, but he's really nothing too great.

Left Field: Jason Bay vs. Juan Rivera
Advantage: Red Socks. Once again, Rivera is good, but not better than Bay. Bay's offense has been what the Red Socks needed all year, especially early on. Bay has also been a more proven player, and even shined last year in the post season

Center Field: Jacoby Ellsbury vs. Torii Hunter
Advantage: Angels. Ellsbury is a great leadoff hitter and a great center fielder. Torii Hunter is a better center fielder, a better hitter, a proven post season performer, and a team leader.

Right Field: JD Drew vs. Bobby Abreu
Advantage: Angels. Abreu has changed the Angels completely. He's been a great veteran presence, and has taught the team how to be more selective at the plate. He's once again hit just shy of .300, has over 100 RBI, and just shy of 30 stolen bases. JD is overrated, but can come up with the big hit when he needs to. Abreu is just better though.

DH: David Ortiz vs. Vladimir Guerrero
Advantage: Even. Papi had the better season as Vlad was hurt for much of hit. However, while not hurt, Vlad once again put up great numbers. Everyone knows about Ortiz's season with the Steroids, and the power struggles, and the amazing season he's put up since June. Ortiz is a great force in the post season, but then again so is Vlad. Too close to call

Starting Pitching
Advantage: Red Socks. Angels have some great starters in Kazmir, Lackey, Saunders, Weaver and even Santana isn't a complete waste this year. But the Socks have Josh Beckett. He's simply just a better pitcher, and knows how to step it up in the post season.

Bullpen
Advantage: Red Socks. If 38 year old Darren Oliver is your go-to guy in the pen, you're in trouble. Socks have guys who've been there before and know how to perform.

Closer: Jonathan Papelbon vs. Brian Fuentes
Advantage: Red Socks. Of closers not named Rivera, Nathan and K-Rod are the only ones who can compare with Papelbon. He's great all around and knows how to do it in the post season. His downfall is that if you get to him early, he unravels very easily. Fuentes is alright, but he's been overrated this year with his save total (proving K-Rod's record is a fluke).

Series Prediction: Red Socks in 4