AL Playoff Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The final playoff preview that I will be doing is between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (try saying that five times quickly!). Out of all the four baseball playoff series, this one is by far the best series because both teams are evenly matched. As we look at the matchups, you will see why you will be taking time out of your schedule to watch this series.

Catcher: Boston boasts one of the best catchers in the major leagues with Victor Martinez (.303, 23 HR, 108 RBI). Fortunately, the Red Sox traded for him because of the decline of Jason VaritekJason Varitek. Mike NapoliMike Napoli commands the backstop for the Angels (.272, 20 HR, 56 RBI). Advantage: Boston based upon Martinez' run production.

1B: Both of these first basemen on both teams have had career years. Boston's Kevin YoukilisKevin Youkilis has continued building upon his stellar career (.305, 27 HR, 94 RBI), while Kendry Morales (.306, 34 HR, 108 RBI) of the Angels has been the team's best run producer this year. Advantage: Even

2B: Dustin PedroiaDustin Pedroia (.296, 15 HR, 72 RBI) had a little bit of a dropoff after his monster MVP season last year. However, opposing pitchers have been focusing on pitching around him more this year. Angels' Howie KendrickHowie Kendrick (.291, 10 HR, 61 RBI) had a remarkable second half of the season. Advantage: Red Sox

SS: Alex Gonzales (.284, 5 HR, 15 RBI) has been a pleasant surprise for the Red Sox this season, while Eric Aybar (.312, 5 HR, 58 RBI) has proven that he can be a solid shortstop on a daily basis. Advantage: Angels

3B: Mike LowellMike Lowell of the Red Sox (.290, 17 HR, 75 RBI) has been battling through injuries all season. Chone FigginsChone Figgins (.298, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 42 SB) makes the Angels' offense go. Advantage: Even

LF: Jason BayJason Bay (.279, 36 HR, 119 RBI) is one of the best outfielders in the American League for the Red Sox. Juan RiveraJuan Rivera (.287, 25 HR, 98 RBI) has filled in admirably at left field since Morales was moved to first base this season. Advantage: Even

CF: Jacoby EllsburyJacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox (.301, 8 HR, 60 RBI) makes this offense go. Also, not many players steal 70 bases any more like he did this season. Torii HunterTorii Hunter of the Angels (.299, 22 HR, 90 RBI) has been the best defensive outfielder in the major leagues for this decade. Advantage: Even

RF: Red Sox J.D. Drew (.279, 24 HR, 68 RBI) has been struggling with injuries all throughout the season. Angels Bobby AbreuBobby Abreu (.293, 15 HR, 103 RBI) has been solid all year. Advantage: Angels based upon Abreu's defense.

DH: Big Papi David Ortiz (.238, 28 HR, 99 RBI) bounced back after a horrible first half for the Red Sox in which he only hit 2 home runs in April and May. He cycled off of the steroids in the wrong months. Vladimir Guerrero (.295, 15 HR, 50 RBI) has been battling injuries for the Angels all season. Advantage: Even, both are Hall of Fame caliber hitters.

Starting Pitching: Boston goes with Jon Lester (15-8, 3.41 ERA), who has proven how tough he is by battling back from cancer two years ago. Josh Beckett (17-6, 3.86 ERA) is one of the best strikeout pitchers in the major leagues. Clay Buchholz (7-4, 4.21 ERA) bounced back after being in AAA for the first part of the season. The Angels go with John Lackey (11-8, 3.83 ERA), Jered Weaver (16-8, 3.75 ERA) and recently acquired Scott Kazmir (10-9, 4.89 ERA), who pitched for the AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays last season. All starters are solid and playoff tested. Advantage: Even

Relief Pitching: Boston goes with one of the best closers in the game with Johnathon Papelbon (1-1, 1.85 ERA, 38 saves). The Angels counter with Brian Fuentes (1-5, 3.93 ERA, 48 saves). However, Fuentes ERA against the Red Sox this year is above 8. Advantage: Red Sox

I pick Boston to win in five, although the Angels could also win this series in five. The Angels will also be playing with added emotion for Nick Adenhart, a pitcher on the team who was killed in April by a drunk driver. Watch the games and enjoy!