[Scary_Tiger]

2007 vs 2004

>>> huge edge
>> edge
> small edge

Lineup

C Varitek <<< Varitek
1B Youkilis > Millar
2B Pedroia >> Bellhorn
SS Lugo <<< Cabrera
3B Lowell >>> Mueller
LF Manny << Manny
CF Crisp/Ellsbury <<< Damon
RF Drew >> Nixon/Kapler

So 2004 has the edge at C, SS, LF, CF while 2007 has the edge at 2B, 3B, RF. Overall, 2004 had the better position players and outscored the 2007 team 949 runs to 867 runs. Interestingly, two of the big disadvantages for the 2007 team were Manny and Varitek who had one of the best years of their careers in 2004. Team defense was definitely better in 2007 though with Drew, Youkilis and Lowell being huge upgrades.

Starting Pitching

Beckett = Schilling
Schilling << Pedro
Matsuzaka <<< Arroyo
Wakefield = Wakefield

I certainly didn't remember just how good Arroyo was in 2004, but he was a lot better than Daisuke. Looking at his numbers, I definitely don't think we should have traded him. Ah well. The 2004 starting pitching was stronger for the postseason, though in the regular season Gabbard/Lester/Tavarez were better than Lowe.

Bullpen

Papelbon > Foulke
Okajima >>> Timlin
Delcarmen >>> Embree
Timlin >> Leskanic

There's no argument for the 2004 bullpen, here the 2007 bullpen was incredible. Snyder and Lopez were also better than anyone in the 2004 bullpen not named Leskanic or Foulke.

Overall, the 2004 team is the better playoff team, but not all that much better when you take into account defense, 5th and beyond starters, and the entire bullpen situation.