2013 World Series Prediction: Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals

In the ultimate slap in the face to Bobby Valentine, the Red Sox are in the World Series, only a year removed winning 69 games.  They'll square off against the Cardinals starting this Wednesday, and I don't see how you can bet against them.

Boston has been the most consistent team all year.  They hit pretty well at every position, have a good to great top-four starting pitchers, and with Craig Breslow and Koji Uehara, the game might as well be seven innings, as both pitchers have been virtually unhittable.

The Sox made a habit of getting no-hit for about five innings/game against Detroit, but still found a way to win the Series in six games.  They got shut down against Max Scherzer twice, but the bullpen gave up a grand slam in each game, and Boston won both games.  They also managed only one run against Justin Verlander, who was brilliant in the postseason, and won the game 1-0.  I just don't see how you combat that kind of timely hitting and never-say-die momentum that they have been carrying through the playoffs.

The Cardinals have been impressive as well.  They have also had some timely hitting, and were able to avoid a collapse after holding a 3-1 lead over the Dodgers, the way they did last year against the Giants.  If not for the emergence of Michael Wacha, I would be even more confident in the Red Sox to win it all, but Wacha has been even better than Adam Wainwright in the playoffs, and deservedly won the NLCS MVP.

If Wacha can continue his recent success, then the Cardinals will have a good chance to win the four games they'll need to win with Wainwright and Wacha each likely to start two if the series goes long enough.

I think these teams are similar, with the Cards having a little bit better starting pitching at the top, and the Red Sox having a little more depth to the rotation.  In tight games, though, you have to have a good bullpen to either stop the bleeding or to cling to a small lead, and the Red Sox have found a winning combination there.

As a Yankees fan, I will be rooting for the Cardinals to win it all, but I just don't see it happening.  I hope I'm wrong, but objectively, I'll give the nod to the Sox to win the series 4-2.

[Editor's note: This post is by John Trifone (@JohnnyT0122), who also contributes at our NFL site: Eat, Drink and Sleep Football (see John's archives).]

Monday Night Links

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes took batting practice for the first time on Monday, but his status for Opening Day hasn't yet been determined.

Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt, who received an injection in his back, is expected to start on Opening Day.

Marlins ace Josh Johnson is also expected to be ready to make his Opening Day start.

Royals first baseman Billy Butler said, “No personal goals. It’s team goals. Win the American League Central. Make some noise and show our organization is moving in the right (direction). If we do that, my individual goals will all be there because we’ll be where we want to be.”

When asked about his 20-20 potential, Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones said, "I think it's possible."

The Toronto Blue Jays have released outfielder Joey Gathright.

For ceremonial first pitches, Barack Obama will throw out the first pitch in Philadelphia while Roger Staubach will throw out the first pitch in Arlington.

Pirates manager John Russell plans to hit the pitcher 8th in the Pirates' lineup.

As expected, Ryan Perry earned a roster spot in the Tigers' bullpen.

Marlon Byrd said of Milton Bradley: ''I want him to be him. In Texas, he didn't smile. He put up ungodly numbers. He has to be himself. That's the only thing he can do. That's the only way he can play. I want to see him do it, 162 all-out, because he has MVP material.''

Orioles reliever Koji Uehara will start the season on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello had a strong outing against the Blue Jays.

Felipe Paulino has a shot at winning the Astros' fifth starter spot in the rotation.

Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore said, "Whatever soreness or pain I've had has been minimal. I recovered from the next day. Going into this last week of spring training, I feel strong like I'll be ready to go for the season."

Reds pitcher Homer Bailey allowed five runs on five hits in five innings against the Dodgers single-A team.

Royals pitcher Gil Meche threw 127 pitches in a simulated game and didn't feel any soreness.

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira was hit by a pitch on his elbow, but X-rays weren't required as it's only a bruise.