Red Sox ALCS rotation set; Matsuzaka to start Game 1

Terry Francona announced the rotation for the ALCS:

Game 1: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 2: Josh Beckett
Game 3: Jon Lester
Game 4: Tim Wakefield
Game 5*: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 6*: Josh Beckett
Game 7*: Jon Lester
(*if necessary)

"The way it lined up was appropriate, Tito said. "Again, for us, those three will pitch twice if it goes to seven. In the end, as long as they’re pitching, the order isn’t as important. So then you go, ‘OK. What’s best for them?’"

"It gives people rest – not too much rest, not too little. This is probably the best way. We didn’t want one going on eight [days rest], one guy going on regular. Keep everybody somewhat in line. Rest at this time of year is huge. We’ll take advantage of it while trying not to give too much."

Bottom Line: I like Lester at home in Game 3... I'm nervous about Daisuke in Game 1 but his numbers are respectable againts the Rays... and I'm nervous about Wake vs the Rays as of late (0-2, 5.83 ERA in 3 starts this year)... but he'll throw in Fenway where he has been more successful this season: 7-4, 3.10 ERA.