Superstitious punk that I am, I avoid rallies that occur before the playoffs even start like the plague. But I will say this: Yesterday, during Rally Monday, we had the Dropkick Murphys. The Angels had The English Beat. Advantage: Us.
Also, Big John Lackey, the Angels’ ace who starts game one and may well start game four or five if they happen, is 0-2 with an 8.38 ERA against the Sox this year. Advantage: Us.
As for the decision to pitch Matsuzaka for game two, I can go either way. Going with Schill, who becomes Senor Big Pants when the postseason kicks in, would probably give us the best chance to lock up a 2-0 edge heading out to the land of fake boobs and sunshine. But despite his lower road ERA, I guess I feel better about Matsuzaka having the home crowd behind him. Also, he’s the one guy the Angels haven’t faced yet, which may prove a slight advantage.
Anyway, here are your ALDS match-ups (all times are ET):
GAME 1
Wednesday at Fenway Park
John Lackey vs. Commander Kick Ass of the F@#k Yeah Brigade
6:37 p.m.
GAME 2
Friday at Fenway Park
Kelvim Escobar vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka
8:37 p.m.
GAME 3
October 7 at Angel Stadium
Curt Schilling vs. Jered Weaver
3:07 p.m.
GAME 4
October 8 at Angel Stadium
9:37 p.m.
GAME 5
October 10 at Fenway Park
8:37 p.m.
Lastly, from the what-might-have-been department, the Globe catches up with Doctor F-Bomb.
