World Series preview

Last update: October 23, 2007 - 9:15 PM

Colorado at Boston

Today's pitching

matchup: Colorado LHP Jeff Francis (17-9, 4.22 ERA)

vs. Boston RHP Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27)

About the Rockies: No team ever has entered the World Series hotter than Colorado (21-1), but the big question is its eight-day layoff. The Rockies lineup is strong, featuring MVP candidate LF Matt Holliday, SS Troy Tulowitzki, 1B Todd Helton and 3B Garrett Atkins. They won't beat themselves in the field, setting a major league record with a .9892 fielding percentage this year. Their pitching has been excellent in their 7-0 postseason (2.08 ERA).

About the Red Sox: LF Manny Ramirez and DH David Ortiz are the stars, but 3B Mike Lowell led the team in RBI and 1B Kevin Youkilis might be the postseason's hottest hitter after he went 14-for-28 in the ALCS. The rotation is formidable, with RHPs Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Boston has a stud closer in RHP Jonathan Papelbon -- but the middle relief could be an adventure.

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