The 2007 World Series provides plenty of historical contrast, considering one team — the American League champions Boston Red Sox — has won 12 league titles, while the other — the National League champion Colorado Rockies — is only in its 15th year of existence. The Red Sox feature historical lore such as “the curse of the Bambino,” “Bill Buckner's error” and Fenway Park's “green monster.” The Rockies, meanwhile, have a stadium (Coors Field) named after a beer manufacturer and a grand total of zero division titles. Here's what to expect when David (Colorado) takes on Goliath (Boston) in the 2007 Fall Classic, which kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Fenway Park.

BEST MATCHUP: Boston's pitching staff vs. Colorado's lineup. The Red Sox ranked second in the league during the regular season with a team earned run average of 3.87, while the Rockies ranked fifth with 860 runs scored. Something has to give.

WHY THE ROCKIES WIN: Do they even remember what losing feels like? The Rockies, one of the hottest teams in MLB history, have won 21 of their last 22 games, including 10 consecutive victories and a 7-0 postseason record.
 
WHY THE RED SOX WIN: They're no longer cursed. With a 2004 World Series title that shed Boston's “curse of the Bambino,” the Red Sox no longer play as if they're going to lose in the postseason. And it doesn't hurt matters that Boston finished the regular season 96-66 — the best record in baseball.

THE 210 TAKE: Colorado's worst-to-first story is an uplifting one. Unfortunately for the Rockies, they haven't played anyone on par with Boston in the playoffs.

THE 210 PREDICTION: Boston in six
 
Clint Hale | 210SA