World Series Preview: Game 1

The White Sox and the Astros are set to square off in the 2005 Fall Classic.  Here’s a look at Game 1’s starters, and some series keys. The last time Roger Clemens and Jose Contreras pitched in the World Series, they were trying to help the 2003 New York Yankees win Game 4 of the 2003 Fall Classic. Things sure have changed for the former teammates, who will take the mound to oppose each other in Game 1 of this year’s series.

When Clemens walked off the mound at the end of the seventh inning, trailing 3-1, it looked like the game was over for the Yankees and the career of one of the greats had come to an end. But like that Yankee team, which stormed back to tie the game in the ninth, Clemens was not nearly done.

Contreras, who Yankees owner George Steinbrenner signed to a big contract, had spent the year not living up to expectation. So much so, that he found himself in the bullpen that postseason. In July of the next season, New York gave up on him, dealing him to the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline for Esteban Loaiza.

This season, Contreras has lived up to all those lofty expectations and was one of the most dominant pitchers in the American League in the season’s second half. Most recently, in his two ALCS starts, Contreras pitched 17 2/3 innings, allowing just six runs and winning the pennant clinching game in Anaheim.

Clemens won his seventh Cy Young Award last season and followed it up by leading the league in ERA, at 1.89. Clemens is 31-11 in his two seasons with Houston. That number of wins should be much higher, but opponents shutout Houston hitters an astounding nine times when Clemens was on the mound this year.

Pitching will be the story of Game 1. Will Contreras be able to stop the Astros suddenly potent lineup? Can Clemens lock down Paul Konerko and the White Sox, who hit 200 home runs this season? Those are the key questions as we head into game one.

Some other keys:

How will Brad Lidge respond when he takes the mound for the first time since he allowed Albert Pujols to prolong St. Louis’ season? Astros Manager Phil Garner made an interesting call by not inserting Lidge into Game 6 of the NLCS. Why not let him exercise his demons with a four run lead? The decision was curious, but possibly understandable. Lidge had already pitched in four straight games; maybe Garner wanted him to rest. With Lidge’s unreal stuff, he should be okay. But until we see him prove it, he could be next the Donnie Moore.

Jeff Bagwell, Designated Hitter. Will Garner allow the one-armed slugger to DH in this series? It certainly makes sense, seeing how Bagwell cannot play the field (he can’t even throw the ball 50 feet). Bagwell has done well in a pinch-hitting role, and has been as asset for Garner coming off the bench. You have to believe Bagwell will DH, especially with Houston’s suspect offense. Even if he won’t be the slugger many are used to seeing, Houston’s all-time leader in home runs should be in the lineup.

The White Sox Bullpen. Remember these guys? They haven’t seen action since Game 1 of the ALCS, and that was for two outs. How will they respond to the long layoff? Will Ozzie Guillen stick with Contreras until his arm falls off? You can never really tell what’s going through the mind of the White Sox Manager. Look for Contreras to stay in the game as long as possible.

Home Field Advantage. The White Sox have it, which is great for them. At home this season, Houston tied for the best home record in all of baseball (with the Braves and Yankees) at 53-28. The Astros are also 8-2 in the postseason at home the last two seasons. On the road Houston has been less than stellar. This year’s team posted a 36-45 record away from Minute Maid Park, but they are 3-2 in the playoffs. The White Sox need to take advantage of their home games, because they will have a tough time in Houston. All won’t be lost, however, for the Sox if they leave Chi-town tied or behind in the series. The White Sox record of 52-29 was the best road record in Major League Baseball this season.

Prediction: White Sox take Game 1, 4-2.