1. Red Sox starters need an assist
In the games Pedro Martinez doesn't pitch, the Red Sox have to play perfect defense behind starters Kent Mercker, Ramon Martinez and Bret Saberhagen. They can't give up four or five outs an inning because the pitchers' arms fatigue when they hit the 25-pitch mark. Saberhagen's velocity is still there. If Jose Offerman had turned the double play in the third inning of Game 2 against the Indians, Saberhagen could have gone into the fourth inning in pretty good shape. It just didn't happen, and the Red Sox got blown out 11-1.

The starters can get through the Yankee lineup; they don't need to throw a shutout to be effective. Other than Pedro, if the starter comes out at any point, and they are tied, the Red Sox will be happy because the bullpen has been incredible. I thought the move they made for Rod Beck was a steal. He was a warrior for the Cubs last year, and has fit right in with the Red Sox. Derek Lowe has been clutch, throwing 94 mph with sinking action.

2. Big-game Bernie
Bernie Williams was a big part of the Yankees' AL Division Series sweep. I won't say he singlehandedly beat the Rangers, but Williams hit well (.364 and six RBI) and made great catches in all three games. He showed the patience that sometimes isn't there.

Thinking back to last year's ALCS, he did a great job against the Indians because he showed patience. If he makes you pitch to him, he's dynamite. Sometimes, he will try to carry the Yankees on his shoulders and expand his strike zone. When that happens, the Yankees have problems offensively. But if the Red Sox pitchers don't want to challenge him, he needs to take the base on balls and let the next hitter come up in a better situation. That's when the Yankees are really tough. They don't allow pitchers any breathing room.

3. Control the shortstops
There's nothing you can say about Derek Jeter that hasn't already been said or that he doesn't deserve. With Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra, this playoff series features two of the most exciting shortstops ever. I don't blame Indians manager Mike Hargrove for intentionally walking Garciaparra twice in Game 5 of the AL Division Series. But you have to be able to get the next hitter out. That's what Shane Reynolds did in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against Atlanta. He not only pitched around Chipper Jones, but he got Ryan Klesko out every time. That's where Cleveland made its mistake. They did not go after the next hitter, Troy O'Leary, throwing to the correct locations. They just threw pitches over the plate, and O'Leary beat them. A lot of people can hit those pitches.

Both the Red Sox and Yankees need to control Jeter and Garciaparra by pitching around them and then getting the next hitter out -- and the hitter in front of them. Pitchers won't allow three-run homers by pitching around the two shortstops and then going after the hitters in front of them and behind them in the order. Jeter and Garciaparra, two prime-time players in their prime, don't really have any weaknesses. They can hit anything in the strike zone. The other hitters are the ones who have to beat you, not the two shortstops.

Longtime major-league pitcher Rick Sutcliffe, the 1984 Cy Young Award winner, will be covering the American League Championship Series on ESPN Radio.