Greetings, loyal minions. Your Maximum Leader is quite excited about the upcoming World Series. But before we go there…

What a great NLCS game 7! The Astros took an early lead, but the Cards battled back to defeat the crafty Houstonians and grab the pennant. Your Maximum Leader extends his deep sympathy to the fans of Houston. The only words of relief to be found are, “There is always next year.”

In game 7 the Cards just overpowered the Astros and outplayed them defensively. What was interesting about the game, in the watching, was how when the Astros were in the field it seemed like an American League game. But when the Cards were in the feild, it seemed more like a National League game. The Cards were quick defensively and played to keep runs from happening. When at bat, the Cards played a good game of stealing and putting the ball in play to advance runners. It was great to watch.

Now that we know the Cards and the Sox are in the series what thoughts does your Maximum Leader have about the clash?

Well, first off it is good to see the best team in the National League battle the (almost) best team in the American League. Yes, your Maximum Leader knows that Boston didn’t have the best record overall. But Boston lead the American League in offensive production and pitching stats. Your Maximum Leader thinks that in terms of pure offense, the teams are equally matched. In terms of starting pitching, the teams are fairly evenly matched. The Sox pitchers should have a clear advantage in starters, but the Cards starters have stepped up and are playing just as well as Boston’s. Boston has a clea advantage in closers. The Card’s closers are shaky. The Cards play defensively better than the Sox do.

So what does all that mean? It means that we should be in for some really good baseball. If the Sox start Tim Wakefield; then the Cards have a good chance of taking one game at Fenway. That is critical for the Cards. They must take one of the first two games at Fenway to win the series. They can do this if they play aggressive National League style ball and concentrate on advancing and scoring runners. (Your Maximum Leader expects lots of steals and sacrifice plays.)

For Boston, your Maximum Leader believes they must come out swinging and jump to an early lead and get their closers into the game. Boston cannot win with good karma and high hopes alone.

Now, predictions… If the Cards take one of the first two games, your Maximum Leader feels that St. Louis will triumph in the series. If the Sox take the first two at Fenway, the Sox will triumph.

Now, hopes… Your Maximum Leader, normally a faithful National League man, is hoping that Boston wins. He would like to see the monkey flung from the back of this historic franchise. He hopes this is the year.

Carry on.