2013 World Series: Hitting Preview
Oct 18, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams hits a RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning in game six of the National League Championship Series baseball game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
In anticipation of Game 1 of the 2013 World Series, Arch Authority will breakdown who has the edge in certain areas of the game. Today we will breakdown who has the edge in contact hitting, power hitting, on base efficiency and managers.
Contact Hitting: Boston
The Boston Red Sox had 72 more hits than the St. Louis Cardinals. That only averages out to less than half a hit per game over the entire season but the Red Sox and Cardinals played the same amount of games in the regular season so if you got more hits, you get the edge.
Power Hitting: Boston
The Red Sox had 178 home runs as a team, the Cardinals had 125. The Red Sox and Cardinals were 1st and 2nd respectively in the MLB in doubles. The Cardinals were below the league average in triples and home runs. If this series becomes about power hitting, the Cardinals won’t win.
On base efficiency: Boston
I know this is a St. Louis blog but statistically, the Red Sox have them beat in hitting and in on base efficiency. 3rd in walks, 4th in stolen bases, and 1st in on base percentage. Now, Boston does leave lots of base runners on base and the Cardinals do not but the results they get are better.
Manager: Cardinals.
This is both managers first World Series so how could Mike Matheny have the edge? He has the playoff experience. John Farrell in his 3rd season as a MLB manager but this is first playoff and World Series appearance. The pressure is going to hit him at some point, his decision and mistakes magnified. I think that pressure is going to get to him.
Check back here tomorrow as we give our prediction on the World Series game by game.
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