ESPN Stats and Information takes you to the next-level of statistics with keys for the Boston-L.A. series: Daniel Bard must throw first-pitch strikes; J.D. Drew's key is getting on base; how Clay Buchholz can change the series; and why Angels closer Brian Fuentes isn't as strong as last season

Daniel Bard: First Pitch Fortunes

Daniel Bard was drafted in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox and worked his way into a large role in the Red Sox bullpen this season. He rode his 100-mph heat to 63 strikeouts, more than any Red Sox reliever except for Jonathan Papelbon. Bard also walked 4.0 batters per 9 innings, one of the worst rates in the Red Sox bullpen.

Bard also showed why it was essential for him to throw his first pitch over for a strike, because when he didn't, he often didn't recover well:

The lesson for Bard is to get that first pitch over, something Bard's only done 55.4% of the time this season, below the AL average of 58.0%. Bard also needs to be wary of the Angels, who take the first pitch 78.5% of the time, third-highest rate in the Majors.

J.D. Drew: This Drew was Made for Walking

J.D. Drew is often criticized for not playing the game with passion and for missing games with injuries. Drew, however, is one of the best in the game in terms of getting on base, something he's done at a .390 clip since joining the Red Sox. He also doesn't get himself out by chasing bad pitches, offering at pitches out of the strike zone less than 16% of the time.

What does all this getting on-base mean? It means Drew scored a run every 6.4 plate appearances this season, tied for ninth-best in the American League.

Clay Buchholz: Change is Good

Clay Buchholz had a rocky finish to his season, allowing 13 ER in 8.0 IP over his last two starts, but that doesn't diminish the work he did in the 10 starts before that. From August 8 through September 24, Buchholz was 6-2 with a 2.37 ERA and appeared to be blossoming into the pitcher the Red Sox have been waiting for him to become. His success was largely due to his changeup, which is his second-most used pitch (after his fastball).

Opponents were just .200 vs Buchholz's changeup and struck out in 35.8% of plate appearances that ended with a change (almost double the AL average of 18.8%).

The only place Buchholz ran into trouble was with the gopher ball. Buchholz surrendered six home runs when he threw the changeup, with five coming when he left them belt-high.

Brian Fuentes: Unsafe Saves

Brian Fuentes picked up a career-high (and AL-leading) 48 saves this season for the Angels, but the saves don't paint the whole picture He had 46 strikeouts, 36 fewer than a year ago, while posting a 1.40 WHIP, which is his highest since 2004. His K/9 rate of 7.5 also represented a career-low.

Fuentes normally features a fastball and slider, and both pitches are not as effective for him this season as they were last year.