I think the key today will be Lackey's control and if he is able to avoid putting runners on via the base on balls.

Obviously, the homeplate umpire and how he calls the balls and strikes will be key. Will the strikezone be consistent for both pitchers or will Beckett get calls that Lackey does not get?

If you're wondering why I'm concerned about this you need only look back to the 2004 ALDS in which the Red Sox consistently were given close pitches that Angels pitchers were not.

Just as Colon was denied pitches on the black in the early innings of Game 2 which led to Boston runs, Escobar was ruthless squeezed early on in Game 3.  

Let's hope that today and for the duration of the series that both teams receive fair and impartial umpiring so that we'll be confident that the best team has won when the series reaches its' conclusion.