Sox Finally Have an Opponent

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Oct 20, 2005 9:10PM

The Houston Astros beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 last night behind the strong pitching of NLCS MVP Roy Oswalt to capture the NL Pennant, the first trip to the World Series in the franchise's 40+ year history. That means it's a White Sox-Astros World Series -- too bad there's no Houstonist to place a wager with! UPDATE: Looks like Austinist is pulling for the 'Stros. Maybe we will have to make a little wager with them!

Game 1 will be played on Saturday night at U.S. Cellular with the ageless wonder Roger Clemens (43) vs. the age-unknown wonder Jose Contreras (supposedly 34). Chicagoist rememebers watching Clemens pitch for the Red Sox in the 1986 World Series, and here is is almost 20 years later still the ace of a World Series team.

While Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen hasn't announced the rest of his rotation, he's expected to stick the one that worked in the ALCS with Buehrle going in Game 2, Garland in Game 3 and Garcia Game 4. The Astros will likely go with Pettitte in Game 2 and Oswalt in Game 3.

Guillen is expected to stick with the same 25-man roster the team has used throughout the playoffs. Chicagoist suggests one change, however. We'd like to see Frank Thomas activated. It's not like the Sox need Luis Vizcaino in the bullpen. Sure Thomas can't really play, but after his spectacular 15-year career, they could let him pinch hit once. Maybe we'll get a dramatic 9th inning home run like the one Kirk Gibson hit in the 1988 World Series.

Photo via Yahoo!News