MLB Playoff Predictions: Who Will Win The 2013 World Series?

Boston will be at a slight offensive advantage at Busch Stadium for Games #3. #4 and #5 – with losing Napoli out of the lineup – if John Farrell decides to have David Ortiz face all of the Cards Right Handed Starting Pitchers. Despite that fact, I can’t ignore the clutch playoff performers that the Boston club have for this series. The Cards team has fought injuries and used their system brilliantly to get this far, but I think they fall just short in the World Series.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024

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The last thing I wanted to be in my 2013 ALCS Prediction was right.  I am a New York Yankees fan, but I have to give it up to the Boston Red Sox.

Much like the 2001 New York Yankees made the World Series after 9/11, how could any begrudge the city of Boston having something to rally around like this?

This matchup will feature the winner laying claim to team of the time frame of 2004 – 2013.  No one will contest the Yankees were the best team in the MLB from 1996 – 2003. 

This organization has Drafted so incredibly well, that there has been no real need for trading of late. The are also lucky how Albert Pujols signing with the Angels, made for the Cards to select young phenom Michael Wacha. St. Louis is in their 8th NLCS in the last 13 years, with a multitude of young stars coming. They are going to be players in the National League for some time to come.

The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007, while the Cardinals took home the trophy in 2006 and 2011.

St. Louis is in their 4th World Series in a decade, having lost the Red Sox in 2004, before reeling off the last few Titles when they reached the Fall Classic.

I am picking the Boston Red Sox in the 2013 World Series.  However, like 9 years ago, I don’t think it will be so cut and dry.

In fact, I believe the Cardinals will probably win Game #1 of the series with Adam Wainwright against Jon Lester.

John Lackey won Game #3 of the ALCS, defeating Justin Verlander. It is very possible this series will be tied – when he 1st toes the hill. The man is a Veteran of 14 Post Season Game Starts – putting up a record of 5 – 4, with a nice 3.10 ERA. Lackey became famous, for winning the 1st World Series Game #7 as a Rookie since 1909.

In Game #2, I think the Red Sox will win with Clay Buchholz against Michael Wacha.  The difference will be Games #3 and Game #4 – when Boston will throw John Lackey and Jake Peavy, potentially versus Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn.

While Lackey’s World Series experience was 11 years ago with Anaheim, the man has had a renaissance year, and you better believe that the big stage won’t frighten him.

I simply don’t trust Lance Lynn either.

Allen Craig has not had meaningful At-Bats for over 7 weeks, so I am not sure he will be the usual game changer.

Boston has clutch hitters like Mike Napoli, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia and Shane Victorino.

Mike Napoli, who was vital in Games #2 and 5 of the ALCS – will likely see time on the bench when Ortiz takes the position at 1B. Napoli destroyed St. Louis Pitching in the 2011 World Series – with an OPS of 1.164 (2 HRs and 10 RBI in just 20 AB.)  He also has 3 HRs and 10 RBI in just 5 games lifetime at Busch Stadium.  It is too bad that he has not caught in any games this year, as that might have been a solution.

There is a huge factor here though.  What do the Boston Red Sox do when they play at Busch Stadium?  Do they move David Ortiz to 1st – and put Napoli on the bench?

It is too bad that the big regular First Baseman hasn’t seen any time behind the plate this year, as that option would have been a lot more appealing.

Honestly. Napoli came up huge in the 2013 ALCS, so having him as a dangerous Pinch Hitter, late in the baseball games at Busch Stadium will be huge.

The Cardinals struggled on offense versus the Dodgers until Game #6 of the NLCS.

St. Louis always proves me wrong, so why break tradition of picking them to lose?

Boston Red Sox in 7.  At least if I am wrong this time, it prevents Boston from winning the World Series!

Keys to the Series:  STL:  Allen Craig, Carlos Beltran and the BULLPEN.

Keys to the Series:  BOS:  John Lackey, Pinch Hitters and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Playoff Record 6 – 5, (Last Round 1 – 1).

Allen Craig has not suited up for St. Louis since Sept 4th due to his foot injury. The team will likely use him as the DH in the games at Boston. The 29 Year Old had 3 HRs and 5 RBI in 19 AB during the 2011 World Series.  Craig is most deadly when they are Runners In Scoring Position, where he 3 Slashed .454/.500/1.168 – with 83 RBI.  Overall for the year, he still plated 97 RBI in just 508 AB.  The Cardinals had dutifully replaced him with Matt Adams, .268/.334/.724 – with 1 HR and 4 RBI in 11 Games Played.  I still have to think that coming back to game action – his timing will be affected.

*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com or their partners. ***

***Chuck Booth – Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner and author of the Fastest 30 Ballgames:

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