John Lowe's 5 things to watch in the ALCS

Free Press sports writer JOHN LOWE previews the American League Championship Series. Infield defense: This could be a slight but decisive edge for Tampa Bay. The Rays have one of the soundest, surest infields to appear in the postseason in years. All four infielders make plays with a Polanco-like sureness: third baseman Evan Longoria, shortstop Jason Bartlett, second baseman Akinori Iwamura and former Tigers first baseman Carlos Pena. The Rays are like the only other team that finished in first place one year after having the league's worst record: the '91 Braves. Like those Braves, the Rays have new, trusty players at three infield positions (Pena is the one holdover at the same position from last season). It can be a beautiful game if you get an out every time you are supposed to. Boston is using a restructured infield.... [read full story]