Comparisons between the Red Sox and Angels — ALDS opponents again — have been flying fast and furious. Everything from managerial styles to home-field advantages to bullpens has been compared.
But what about the designated hitters? Which one is better — the Red Sox’ David Ortiz or the Angels' Vladimir Guerrero?
Guerrero, a notorious free-swinger, joined the Angels in 2004 and has been a source of power for the team over the course of the past six seasons. He only appeared in 100 games in 2009, so his numbers are considerably lower than his career numbers. Like Ortiz, Guerrero hails from the Dominican Republic, but unlike his more gregarious countryman, Guerrero is often media-shy and reticent. Also unlike Ortiz, Guerrero does not have a World Series ring.
Ortiz and Guerrero are a year apart in age, and both have suffered through knee injuries — playing seven years on Montreal's turf didn’t help Guerrero, and the Metrodome wasn’t a picnic for Ortiz. Nevertheless, both are known as clutch performers and are feared batsmen.
Their major difference lies in postseason experience. Ortiz boasts 13 postseason series to Guerrero's five, not counting the imminent ALDS. In three of those past five series, the Angels have lost to the Red Sox. While Guerrero is a .240 postseason career hitter with only one home run, Ortiz is a .293 hitter with 12 home runs.
Experience seems to tip the scales in favor of Ortiz in this matchup, but Guerrero is also playing in a contract year. This postseason might be his last in an Angels uniform and could provide some added motivation.
Both Anaheim and Boston are counting on production from their designated hitters. It remains to be seen which one will emerge victorious.
