Matchups

Catcher: Houston’s Brad Ausmus vs. Chicago’s A.J. Pierzynski

Both catchers in this series are regarded as solid game-callers. Of course, the pitchers have more than a little to do with that reputation.

Pierzynski has been the Forrest Gump of the postseason. Every time he turns around, he’s in the middle of a major controversy. Ausmus is a better defensive catcher, but Pierzynski has more power and is more likely to come up with a big hit. But he’s also less likely to throw out a runner in a key spot. Edge: Even.

First base: Houston’s Lance Berkman vs. Chicago’s Paul Konerko

This could be the key matchup of the series, as both pitching staffs will focus on shutting these guys down. Berkman, who could share duties at this spot with Mike Lamb and play left field, is a switch hitter with much more thump from the left side. Konerko, the heart and soul of Chicago’s offense and clubhouse, has four homers and 11 RBIs in eight postseason games. Edge: White Sox.

Second base: Houston’s Craig Biggio vs. Chicago’s Tadahito Iguchi

Though his skills are declining with age, Biggio has enough talent and savvy to get the job done. Iguchi excels at the “little things” like bunting, moving runners and turning double plays. Edge: Astros.

Third base: Houston’s Morgan Ensberg vs. Chicago’s Joe Crede

Crede has produced some big hits in the postseason, but Ensberg – bothered by a hand injury in September – has scuffled at the plate and doesn’t seem to be driving balls with authority. The Astros need him to produce in order to win. Edge: White Sox.

Shortstop: Houston’s Adam Everett vs. Chicago’s Juan Uribe

Everett has excellent range and has chipped in a few big hits during the playoffs. Uribe gives the White Sox some flexibility at the bottom of the lineup and serves almost as a second leadoff hitter. Edge: Astros.

Left field: Houston’s Berkman, Orlando Palmeiro or Chris Burke vs. Chicago’s Scott Podsednik

Berkman is not a great outfielder but he doesn’t have to cover a lot of ground in the quirky confines of Enron Field. Podsednik is the table-setter for the White Sox and will look to disrupt pitchers early and often. Edge: Astros, when Berkman plays left. White Sox when he doesn’t.

Center field: Houston’s Willy Taveras vs. Chicago’s Aaron Rowand

Both of these players are excellent ballhawks. Taveras, who might be the fastest player in the game today, is a threat to beat out routine ground balls. Rowand is more of a complete offensive player but Taveras has been hot. Edge: Astros.

Right field: Houston’s Jason Lane vs. Chicago’s Jermaine Dye

Lane is a promising young power hitter but he sometimes lacks plate discipline. Dye does not have a strong arm in the field but he’s experienced and is capable of producing big hits when needed. Edge: White Sox.

Designated hitter: Houston Mike Lamb and Jeff Bagwell vs. Chicago’s Carl Everett

Bagwell is a sentimental hero in Houston but injuries have slowed his bat to the point where he isn’t really a threat anymore. Lamb will probably start Game 1, with Bagwell more likely to face lefty Mark Buerhle in Game 2. Everett is a switch hitter who has lost a little speed in recent seasons but he has power. Edge: White Sox.

Starting pitching: Houston RHP Roger Clemens, LHP Andy Pettitte, RHP Roy Oswalt and RHP Brandon Backe vs. Chicago RHP Jose Contreras, LHP Mark Buehrle, RHP Jon Garland and RHP Freddy Garcia. This is the key to the series. Although Clemens and Pettitte get more publicity, Oswalt is the go-to guy on the staff. He beat St. Louis twice in the NLCS. The White Sox had four straight complete games in the ALCS and all of their guys are capable of producing another. Edge: Even.

Bullpen: Houston closer Brad Lidge and setup men Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler and Mike Gallo vs. Chicago closer Bobby Jenks and setup men RHP Dustin Hermanson, RHP Cliff Politte, RHP Orlando Hernandez LHP Neal Cotts and LHP Damaso Marte. Outside of Cotts, who threw two-thirds of an inning in the ALCS, no White Sox reliever has thrown a pitch in two weeks. They each threw two simulated games this week but rust could be evident if the starters falter, games go extra innings or a pinch hitter is needed.

Lidge gave up the big homer to St. Louis’ Albert Pujols but he’ll likely bounce back and could dominate hitters who aren’t familiar with his devastating slider. Edge: Astros.

Bench: Houston’s Bagwell, Eric Bruntlett, Jose Vizcaino, Burke and Raul Chavez vs. Chicago’s Timo Perez, Geoff Blum, Ross Gload, Willie Harris and Pablo Ozuna. This is a pretty generic group but it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of these guys step out of the shadows and play a big role. Burke did it in the NLCS and the fact that Houston’s reserves see more regular action could be a key. Edge: Astros.

Manager: Houston’s Phil Garner vs. Chicago’s Ozzie Guillen

Both men kept cool while presiding over a meltdown this season. The Astros started 15-30 but Garner kept them focused. The White Sox nearly gagged away a 15-game lead down the stretch but Guillen kept them loose.

With these clubs evenly matched, the guy who looks smarter in this matchup will be the guy who gets better pitching and an occasional timely hit. Edge: Even.

Intangibles: Chicago is 12-1 since Sept. 28 and has been resting since wrapping up the ALCS on Sunday. If not for Albert Pujols’ moon shot in Houston, the Astros would have won the NLCS in five games instead of six. The Astros’ quirky ballpark could give them a slight home-field edge but Konerko will get to take aim at the train that runs above left field. Edge: Even.

Prediction: In a battle of stalwart pitching staffs, the stronger offense prevails.

White Sox in six.

Drew Olson

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel