WHAT TO WATCH FOR ... The Hero
Redemption Song
Clayton Kershaw has been trying for years to add a World Series championship to all his individual accolades. But he has been a mixed bag in postseason play (9-8, 4.09 ERA), and he faltered in a critical game during last year’s Series. Two of his three starts this October have been excellent, the other was a dud.
Sale Price
All eyes will be fixed sharply on Boston’s top two left-handed starters. Chris Sale said he’s ready to pitch the opener after being hospitalized with a stomach illness and missing an ALCS turn because he was still feeling weak. David Price was 0-9 with a 6.16 ERA in 11 career postseason starts before striking out nine over six shutout innings of three-hit ball on three days’ rest to win the ALCS clincher in Houston. Is he finally over that October hump?
The Villain
Manny Machado drew the ire of Milwaukee players and fans for his NLCS antics, not to mention a fine. Boston fans are plenty familiar with Machado after his late slide last year injured longtime Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, and led to a tense situation at Fenway with Sale throwing behind Machado. Even as the opposing manager, Dave Roberts is sure to receive a warm ovation at Fenway Park. He’s still a fan favorite in Boston for his daring stolen base that sparked an unprecedented comeback from a 3-0 deficit against Mariano Rivera and the rival Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. This is the first time both Series managers have played for each team.
Moving Mookie
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it’s possible Mookie Betts, a Gold Glove right fielder, could play second base in the National League park, where there’s no DH, to make room for J.D. Martinez in the outfield. Betts was a second baseman in the minors and still takes pregame grounders during the regular season. Martinez’s 43 homers were the most for a player in his first year with the Red Sox. He batted .313 with two homers and nine RBIs during the playoffs, and Cora said the slugger will definitely play in Los Angeles.