Keys to winning the 2007 World Series

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10/23/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The 103rd World Series is about to get underway, as the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies get ready to kick off the Fall Classic at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Colorado, of course, is in the midst of one of the greatest runs in sports history and has won 21 of its last 22 games to get to this point. The Rockies, who had won just one postseason contest before this season, are also the first team to sweep their way through the division series and LCS, beating the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks in three and four games, respectively.

While Colorado will be playing in its first-ever Fall Classic, their opponents, the Boston Red Sox, are no stranger to postseason play and will be trying for their seventh title and will be appearing in their 11th World Series.

Boston became the 11th team in postseason history to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a best-of-seven series, beating the Cleveland Indians in seven games to claim their first AL pennant since winning the World Series in 2004, their first title since 1918.

These teams actually met during the season, as Colorado took two out of three from the Red Sox at Fenway in June. Colorado outscored Boston 20-5, dropping the first game 2-1 before winning the next two, 12-2 and 7-1. The finale of that set saw Josh Beckett get his first loss of the season.

As an introduction to this World Series matchup, let's take a look at the keys to winning the series for both clubs.

BOSTON RED SOX

1. JOSH BECKETT'S AIR OF INVINCIBILITY

There is not a pitcher in all of baseball I would rather have on the hill in a big spot than Boston right-hander Josh Beckett. He has become this generation's John Smoltz, plain and simple.

Beckett has made three starts this postseason, winning all of them and pitching to a sparkling 1.17 earned run average in the process. This has just added to his already impressive playoff resume that includes a 5-2 mark and a 1.78 ERA in nine games.

While the bright lights of the World Series may bother Colorado's young pitching staff, there is not a chance in the world of it even fazing the incredible Beckett.

2. MANNY TO KEEP ON BEING MANNY

There is no bigger enigma in all of sports than Boston left fielder Manny Ramirez, who created quite a stir in the ALCS with some comments he made saying that if the Red Sox lost "who cares...it is not the end of the world."

However, you have to put up with his Manny being Manny antics because he is one of the best right-handed hitters to ever play the game. Ramirez has been an absolute beast in these playoffs, hitting .400 to go along with four home runs and 14 RBI.

Sure, he does not run every hit out, he stands and admires every home run he hits and he may not always give you the best effort in left field. But is there any other player you want to see at the plate with runners in scoring position?

3. KEEP ORTIZ'S KNEES HEALTHY IN COLORADO

Boston manager Terry Francona has quite a dilemma on his hands when the series shifts to Colorado and the Red Sox lose the designated hitter position. Ordinarily it would not be a big deal, you would just throw David Ortiz at first, despite his obvious flaws in the field. However, Ortiz's knees are barking and the Red Sox aren't sure if they can withstand three straight games in the field.

Bottom line, though, you have to have his bat in the lineup. He is one of the most clutch hitters of all-time and is having another tremendous postseason. Ortiz was 7-for-his-first-9 this postseason and is batting .387 in the playoffs with three home runs, six RBI and 12 runs scored.

COLORADO ROCKIES

1. STEAL A GAME IN BOSTON

This pretty much goes without saying, but if the Rockies can get one of the first two games in Boston, it will change a lot of people's minds on how this series is going to turn out.

Most people felt the four-day layoff between the division series and LCS would have a negative impact on the Rockies since they were so hot. Well it barely even fazed them, as they rolled past the Diamondbacks in four straight. Now will the eight-day break be too much to bear?

The Rockies have played just three road games in the postseason and scored a total of 12 runs in 29 innings.

Getting that first game is the key. Not only will they shift homefield in their favor, but it would knock Beckett off that pedestal that everyone has put him on here in the playoffs.

2. STICK WITH WHAT GOT YOU THERE

The Rockies are supposedly toying with the idea of giving Opening Day starter Aaron Cook rookie Franklin Morales' start in Game 4. Bad idea. Morales is a big reason the Rockies are in the position they are in and Cook hasn't pitched in game since August 10 because of an oblique strain.

Do you really want that kind of uncertainty in a Game 4 of the World Series, when you will probably find yourselves behind anyway? I have no problem inserting Cook on the roster, but use him as a long reliever. Do not give him a start.

3. GET TROY TULOWITZKI AND TODD HELTON GOING

It is amazing the Rockies are in the position they are in considering they have gotten next to nothing from two of their biggest contributors during the season, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and first baseman Todd Helton.

Tulowitzki could be the National League's Rookie of the Year. However, he has showed signs of wearing down here in the postseason and is batting just .179. Actually it is kind of remarkable the Rockies are in the position they are considering the fact that they have gotten next to nothing offensively from Helton or Tulowitzki.

While he may be struggling with the stick, Tulowitzki could be the best defensive shortstop in the National League.

Helton had to wait 1,578 games to finally get to the postseason, but has struggled mightily thus far. He has just four hits in 26 at-bats and has knocked in only one run. While not the power hitter he once was, Helton still has some pop, and there are not many better with the glove than Peyton Manning's former backup quarterback at Tennessee.