Five Ways the Cardinals Can Rally

[WilliamPitt]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/fallclassic/columns/story?columnist=rogers_phil&id=1909592

ST. LOUIS -- Here's one straight from the Department of Duh for Boston's long-sufferings: The last time the Red Sox went to the World Series, they also jumped to a 2-0 lead, rolling to victories against the Mets at Shea Stadium.

So, yes, Boston fans realize 2-0 leads guarantee nothing, no matter what historial precedence says about the importance of a fast start. But if we can interject a bit of optimism onto the landscape, it should be noted that the Red Sox don't have as much to worry about as they did in 1986.

Davey Johnson's Mets had Dwight Gooden and Ron Darling on their side. Those guys were a combined 32-12 that season, and were positioned to get five starts in the series.

But this time the coast would appear to be clear for the Red Sox. Not only do the St. Louis Cardinals not have a tandem like Gooden and Darling, but they don't even have their top starter, Chris Carpenter. That means they'll have to be especially resourceful to avoid winding up on the wrong side of "The Curse."

Here are five things the Cardinals can do to get this series turned around:

...more...

[chelsea0011]

1. Cardinals only chance is Suppan fools over-anxious Sox bats

You are right that Cardinals pitching is steady but not spectacular. Suppan hasn't ever fooled Sox and I doubt it will start tonight. Hell, Carpenter was their ace and I think he had one good game against the Sox in his life. Pedro doesn't even have to be lights out tonight for the Sox to win. But a base hit off his bat would help.