The Resurgence of Darius Miles

Soxtober? OK, I suppose I can hold off on my Celtic's training camp preview until later. Here's some thoughts on Sox-Angels...

1) It's kind of all up to Jon Lester, eh? With Becket pushed back and questionable for game 3, the sox really need to steal one in Anaheim. Lester has unfortunately become the first left-handed pitcher ever to perform better in Fenway than on the road. He's been shaky and inconsistent away from Landsdowne. So no pressure, dude. Daisuke has been maddening to watch, but frankly at least you know what to expect. But preferably, you don't want to give the Angels free passes. If the Sox grab one of two, then have reasonable Becket/Lester performances at home in games 3 & 4, they might have it sewn up.

2) Interesting that they kept both Wakefield and Byrd on the roster for this series, which suggests that it's not a given that Becket will go (figuring they won't need more than one long reliever, but who knows). No Timlin, which was expected. Is Javy Lopez their most reliable arm out of the pen (outside of Dr. Papelbon)? Not a lot to instill confidence there, fellas, given the late collapses against Tampa recently.

3) Lowell? Drew? Will Lowrie or Varitek make contact? Don't know. That's a lot of ?s in the lineup. I like the inclusion of a 3rd catcher (David Ross). I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of Crisp/Casey/Kotsay before it's all over - no way Lowell gets through 9 a night.

4) I'm not totally sold on the Angels pitching staff - certainly not as much as the media, who are all picking them in 4. They're all solid, and the Sox are going to need to be PATIENT at the plate, which has not been a forte in September. Lackey (tonight's starter) seems to run hot and cold. If Ellsbury can get on and make him nervous early, there's a chance Lackey can be taken out.

5) K-Rod is overrated. There. I said it.

6) Anderson/Teixera/Vlad is still a pretty tough middle of the order. The rest?

7) So, I remain optimistic, despite the Sox abysmal record against the Halos this year, and their myriad of injuries. They're still the champs until someone takes them out. Could it be Anaheim? Sure. If Jon Lester throws a gem tonight, I like the Sox in 4. If not? Angels in 5.