ALL THE MAKINGS
Big markets, big names and big history gives World Series perfect ingredients for a classic
BOSTON — In order to get a feel for the coast-to-coast World Series between the Red Sox and Dodgers, make a stop in the desert.
Las Vegas has installed the AL champion Red Sox as the favorite in the 114th World Series over the Dodgers in the best-of-seven affair that opens Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Game 2 is set for Fenway on Wednesday night.
Red Sox backers have to drop $165 to win $100; Dodgers investors get $145 back on a $100 wager.
That tells you more than making a big deal that 1916 was the last time Boston and LA met in the World Series, when the Dodgers were the Robins and Babe Ruth a member of the Red Sox. Or that the Dodgers haven’t won the World Series since 1988 and missed winning last year’s affair by one game.
“It’s cool, two storied franchises, Boston versus LA. They are a really good team and we are a really good team,’’ Red Sox infielder Brock Holt said Monday prior to the teams working out in New England’s living room. “Baseball fans will enjoy watching these teams go at it.’’
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was with the Red Sox for 45 games in 2004 and it was his steal of second base in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Yankees that was the first step in Boston climbing out of an 0-3 ditch and is etched into Red Sox history.
“I think the key that I have really grown to appreciate is it’s not about me. I understand it was a big play for me, for the Red Sox and our club in 2004 but understanding that everyone has a moment,’’ Roberts said of Red Sox fans that stop him to talk about the stolen bag. “That moment is special for them and for them to want to share that with me, that’s pretty humbling.’’
As for managing in the World Series for a second straight year, Roberts said it is the baseball pinnacle.
“This is a dream job for me and I know speaking for [Alex Cora] this is his dream job,’’ Roberts said of the Red Sox manager. “So for us to play for a world championship, West Coast-East Coast, Dodgers-Red Sox, I just can’t see it getting any better.’’
With Chris Sale starting for the Red Sox and Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers in Game 1, each team has its left-handed ace. Sale sai d he has completely recovered from being hospitalized for a stomach ailment during the ALCS against the Astros. He said last week it was due to a belly-button ring issue, but that has been viewed as a joke.
“I’ll leave that for you guys to debate,’’ Sale said when asked if he was serious about the belly-button story.
In three postseason games (two starts) this year, Sale is 1-0 with a 5.85 ERA. He worked a perfect eighth inning against the Yankees in Game 4 of the ALCS that ended the Yankees’ season with a 4-3 loss.
Kershaw was asked if the perfect inning of relief against the Brewers in Game 7 of the NLCS on Saturday altered his routine leading to Tuesday night’s start.
“No, it was f ine. Obviously it was somewhat of a normal inning, which was good,’’ said Kershaw, who retired the f inal three batte rs in a 5 -1 win. “I tried to throw as few pitches as possible in the bullpen before. Obviously the intensity is different and things like that but that’s why I came here [Sund ay ] t o ma k e sure every- thing was good and should be good.’’
In fo u r postseason games (three starts) this season, Kershaw has been better than his overall October numbers. He is 3-1 with a 2.37 ERA compared to a lifetime postseason record of 9-8 with a 4.09 ERA in 28 games (22 starts).
Some believe the Red Sox having four possible home games gives them an advantage because of the raucous atmosphere, the Green Monster in left, the Triangle in center and the Pesky Pole in right.
Sale focused on the atmosphere.
“I think it’s going to be rocki ng. This pl a ce is obviously going crazy,’’ Sale predicted. “We have very passionate fans. It’s going to be fun. I think we have all been waiting for this and our fans, too.”