Si's Final Forecast

Senior writer Tom Verducci predicts a Red October

ALCS
Red Sox over Yankees in seven games
Led by the battle-tested Curt Schilling, Boston has the deeper pitching staff needed to withstand the war of attrition between two relentless offenses.

NLCS
Cardinals over Astros in six games
Houston's already thin pitching was overtaxed by the Braves in the Division Series, leaving the Astros vulnerable to the potent St. Louis lineup.

WORLD SERIES

Red Sox over Cardinals in seven games
Boston has the hottest team and the best starting pitching. The only reason not to pick the Red Sox is 86 years of history. This is the year the Curse is lifted.