Opinion

There's one pitch that might be powerful enough to keep the Boston Red Sox from winning the World Series.

That pitch is Michael Wacha's changeup. 'Tis a thing of great power and beauty, and it will soon be on display in the World Series.

If you want a marquee pitching matchup to kick off the 2013 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox, you got it, as Adam Wainwright will square off against Jon Lester at Fenway Park. 

The fact that Wainwright and Lester are getting the ball for their respective teams in the first game of the Fall Classic is no surprise. They were on the hill for the first game of the season, started the first playoff games for their teams and are regarded as two of the best arms in the game. 

The year still looms there, like the cheese that stands alone.

1984.

It used to be 1968. That was the year that all Tigers fans would reference, sometimes happily, sometimes wistfully, sometimes pessimistically.

It seemed like we waited eons after the Tigers' 1968 World Series triumph for that feeling to come again. But it was only 16 years, which in retrospect is nothing, really.

The improbable is four victories away from reality. After a dreadful 2012 season, the Boston Red Sox rebounded to win 97 regular-season games, captured the ALDS over Tampa Bay and ousted Detroit in the ALCS. Now, they'll meet an equally excellent St.

The 2013 World Series features one of the top managerial matchups in baseball with Boston’s John Farrell and Cardinals’ manager Mike Matheny.

While the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox are still preparing for the first pitch of the 2013 World Series, the Bleacher Report crew of MLB lead writers is busy trying to piece together strengths and weaknesses for both teams. 

It seems like the Cincinnati Reds can’t stay out of offseason headlines as they watch their division foes St. Louis Cardinals play for a world championship once again.

With the offseason just around the corner, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman may be presented with the opportunity to pull off a few trades to improve his squad.

Back in 2004, the Boston Red Sox made their glorious return to MLB's World Series and swept their NL opponents—the St. Louis Cardinals. 

There is no question that excellent play from their superstars helped both the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox reach the World Series.

Role players, however, have a way of making a big difference during the Fall Classic, and both the Cardinals and Red Sox have plenty of role players who are just waiting for their opportunity to bust out.