The San Francisco Giants somehow slipped past the St. Louis Cardinals to book a date with Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and the rest of the Detroit Tigers.
I’d like to look into the crystal ball and say that the Tigers will win in five or the Giants might sweep, but as we have all seen this year in baseball, anything is possible and continues to be possible.
In saying that – I feel the whole series hinges on Game 1.
Justin Verlander vs. Barry Zito: Zito’s best fastball clocks slower than Verlander’s change up — maybe even his curve ball — and in my opinion is a classic mismatch.
Then again, they thought Cliff Lee could not be beaten in Game 1 two years ago, and he was and the Rangers were soon done in five.
The other key match ups in the game:
Batting – This is tough but Miggy Cabrera and Prince Fielder are too hard to ignore. It’s like watching Manny and Big Papi in 04 and 07 – they are just so difficult to get around. I give a slight edge here to the Tigers as Posey hasn’t come around yet.
Starting pitching – If Verlander wins his two games, the Tigers should win this. This is a team that in the end only won 88 games this year and depends mightily on him.
I have next to zero faith that Zito will win again so I’m giving a slight nod here to the Tigers with Fister a dark horse to win Most Valuable Player especially if he wins two games.
Relief Pitching – I’ll give a slight edge here to the Giants if only because Leyland won’t be able to help himself and he’ll use Jose Valverde because he can’t help himself.
The Giants bullpen was used heavily as you would expect over 7 games but the Tigers have been iffy all year. Phil Coke is not that good, he still walked too many Yankees last week in my opinon and was lucky to get a few saves.
Defence – Giants all the way here. The Tigers infield is historically bad and without Austin Jackson would be a complete disaster. It’s not so much the errors but the complete lack of range from Fielder, Peralta and Miggy that doesn’t show up on the box scores. Huge edge to the Giants here.
If the Giants win today, then it will be massive and I can see them finishing the Tigers off in six.
What does everyone else think? Hopefully the Tigers put up a better effort than 2006 and this goes to seven games. It’ll be fun in any case.
Phil Coorey
Roar Pro
Not much to say that hasn't been said already - this series honestly felt over after Verlander wet the bed. I should have known a team wining the worst division in baseball with 88 lousy wins might struggle! HIndsight is wonderful and baseball is really hard to pick at the best of times. Lets hope for a Game 5 anyway - and see if they can take this back to San Fran....
Salada
Guest
PHIL - Thanks for the rundown on the annual fall classic. I believe the Tigers have won the Series just four times in 77 years, so they're due for a win. BTW, anybody who loves baseball, or just fine novels, should pickup a copy of The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. It's terrific.
Roarsome
Guest
Now that my Yankees are gonsky. I'm on the Giants!! Love New York but really enjoyed San Fran. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Greggy Dee
Guest
Hoping for a sweep but will take the Giants in 6 and a good start with an 8-3 win in Game 1. All this with Cy Young winner, Tim Linecum, in the bullpen as relief for the series.
DJ
Guest
PABLO! PABLO! PABLO!
Chris Hardiman
Roar Rookie
Game 1 just finnished an the Giants won. My brother and I have recently converted to baseball from cricket. We don't know enough about the players etc. but we know enough to love this run up to the series Phil. Also the games are on during the week on an otherwise boring workday. We're going for the Tigers for the down and out city of Detroit