Josh Beckett shut down the Angels in the 2007 ALDS, but his questionable status gives Los Angeles a pitching edge in 2008.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

In the past, the Red Sox have dominated the Angels in the postseason, but this year could be different. All things being equal, this series could be a classic. But Boston is hampered with injuries to key players, including ace Josh Beckett.

The Red Sox have relied heavily on their depth all season and will need to continue that if they are to be successful. The Angels are confident that this is their year to erase their recent October slump and dismiss Boston from the postseason.

STARTING PITCHING

Before Josh Beckett revealed that he recently suffered an oblique strain, the right-hander battled elbow and back problems this season. He thrives in pressure games, especially in October, but his health is a concern. Because of that, the Red Sox will send lefty Jon Lester to the mound for Game 1. He's been outstanding for the majority of the season, and by working the first game, he will be set up to pitch Game 4 (if necessary) at Fenway Park, where he's 11-1 this season.

The Angels' John Lackey nearly no-hit the Red Sox in July and has the advantage in being the Game 1 starter at home.

If you take a quick look at Daisuke Matsuzaka's stats -- 18-3 with a 2.90 E.R.A -- you would give him the advantage over Angels Game 2 starter Ervin Santana. But he has struggled with working deep into games this season and has a tendency to load the bases. He's been able to work out of trouble, but the Angels are a team that will take advantage of mistakes. It's hard to bet against a guy with 18 wins versus someone with 16, but Santana is a strikeout machine and has been very good this season.

With Beckett's health a question for Game 3, the Angels' Joe Saunders should have the advantage there. Still, you can never count Beckett out. If a Game 4 starter is needed, the Angels have the edge with Jon Garland.

EDGE: Angels.

OFFENSE

The Angels are not a great offensive team. They play to contact and don't have a lot of power. They were ninth in home runs in the American League, with 159; the Red Sox finished sixth with 163. Boston dominated the league with a .358 on-base percentage, while the Angels were 11th at .330. It was the same story in slugging percentage, where the Red Sox were third (.447) and the Angels ninth (.413). Boston was second in the American League with 845 runs scored. Los Angeles was 10th with 765. Boston finished second with a .280 team average, while Los Angeles placed seventh at .268. The Angels hit both right-handers and lefties equally well. They may not be an explosive offensive club, but L.A. will pitch you to death and play great defense.

EDGE: Red Sox

SPEED

The clubs are neck and neck in this category. The Angels finished sixth in the majors with 126 stolen bases. Boston followed with 120. Los Angeles will run more and take advantage of the hit-and-run. The key for the Red Sox is for lead-off hitter Jacoby Ellsbury to get on base.

EDGE: Angels

DEFENSE

Both clubs can play solid defense, but Boston is loaded at every position.

EDGE: Red Sox.

MIDDLE RELIEF

The Angels are loaded with right-handers, with only one lefty in the bullpen. ... If Angels' starters are able to work deep into games, the Red Sox will see Scot Shields a lot. Plus, because of the short series, Los Angeles is able to move starter Jered Weaver into the bullpen. Boston's bullpen has struggled this season and still has some questions. Experience is on L.A.'s side.

EDGE: Angels

CLOSER

Angels' Francisco Rodriguez became the all-time single-season saves leader in 2008 with 62. The Sox' Jonathan Papelbon also had a strong season and finished third in the league with 41. Despite those numbers, Papelbon is considered the game's most dominant closer.

EDGE: Even.

BENCH

The Angels have more versatility on their bench, but the Red Sox gain the edge with experience.

EDGE: Red Sox.

MANAGER

This is a toss-up. Both Mike Scioscia and Terry Francona are among the most respected managers in the game, and both have won World Series titles. Scioscia is very aggressive and isn't afraid to play small ball. Francona has proven to get the most out of his club.

EDGE: Even

INTANGIBLES

The Angels benefit by playing in the weak A.L. West, which helped them win 100 games. Both clubs had relatively easy travel schedules in September. The Red Sox spent the majority of the month at home, while the Angels had easy trips to Oakland and Seattle before finishing the season at home. Because the Angels wrapped up the division and a postseason berth early, they were able to rest their players and prepare for the postseason. The Red Sox are inundated with injuries to key players, including Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew and Josh Beckett. The Angels have home-field advantage.

EDGE: Angels.

CONCLUSION

If the Red Sox can split in Anaheim, they'll return to Fenway Park, with Beckett scheduled to pitch Game 3, followed by Lester. If that scenario plays out, Boston has an excellent chance to advance to the ALCS.

POSITION BY POSITION

First base: Kevin Youkilis vs. Mark Teixeira. Edge: Teixeira.

Second base: Dustin Pedroia vs. Howie Kendrick. Edge: Pedroia.

Third base: Mike Lowell vs. Chone Figgins. Edge: Figgins.

Shortstop: Jed Lowrie vs. Erick Aybar. Edge: Even.

Left field: Jason Bay vs. Garret Anderson. Edge: Bay

Center field: Jacoby Ellsbury vs. Torii Hunter. Edge: Hunter.

Right field: J.D. Drew vs. Gary Matthews Jr./Juan Rivera. Edge: Drew.

Designated hitter: David Ortiz vs. Vladimir Guerrero Edge: Guerrero

Catcher: Jason Varitek vs. Jeff Mathis/Mike Napoli. Edge: Mathis/Napoli.