Friday, October 20, 2006

Part 2

World Series

Hi,

I just wanted to write a couple of quick thoughts on the upcoming World Series. Of all of the potential World Series matchups, how many would have predicted the Cardinals and Tigers would be the two that advanced? Most probably would have thought there would be another Subway series, or that at least one of the two New York teams would make it.

Will anyone outside of the Midwest watch the games? This has the makings of another one of those "World Series Ratings Fall Again" story lines. That's always the case when New York teams aren't in it, and that is too bad. So, in 2003, the Tigers lost 119 games. Since then, I have bashed them for signing a declining catcher on the wrong side of 30. I bashed them for their horrible contract to Magglio Ordonez coming off of his major knee problems. Last offseason, I thought they were crazy to sign Kenny Rogers to a two-year deal. But they are there! They are four wins from a World Championship. They went 36-38 in the second half of the year.

The Cardinals on the other hand have been here before. However, this year, they were devastated by injuries. Their late season free fall meant that they barely snuck into the playoffs. Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds missed significant time. Jason Isringhausen had surgery. Even Albert Pujols missed a few weeks. But they got in, and they have played well and now they will represent the lowly National League in the World Series.

Who knows... they could win this thing if they play well at the right time... and that is why the playoffs are just a crap shoot. All you have to do is find your way in, and you have a shot. The best teams don't always win short series. That said, once you get there, how great is it to win?! How many crazy stories happen? How great was Endy Chavez's catch?!

So, obviously the Cardinals have the advantage at 1B. They probably have the advantage at 3B. SS and 2B have to belong to the Tigers. Who would you rather have as your CF, Jim Edmonds or Curtis Granderson? At this stage of their careers, I would probably prefer Granderson. LF definitely goes to the Tigers, as does RF. Pitching, however, is where the Tigers have the biggest advantage.

I know, this is pretty short, but I am going to make a prediction. I think that the Cardinals will come into Saturday night with a lot of adrenaline ,and that the Tigers might be just a little flat. I think the Cardinals will take game 1. And then reality will set in. I say.... Tigers in Six Games!

Leave your Comments or Predictions below!

NFL "Expert" Picks

Kyle Waldrop has a three game lead in our league, but this week's 13 games are much more difficult to pick than last week's were, so let's see who this group picks.  If you would like updated standings or info on our players, click here.

SUMMARY

Here is how the collective "We" picked this week (Note, this section will be filled in on Friday morning, when I have more picks filled in):

Detroit @ NY Jets – Jets 15-1

Green Bay @ Miami – Dolphins 12-4

Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay – Eagles 16-0

San Diego @ Kansas City – Chargers 15-1

Carolina @ Cincinnati – Bengals 13-3

New England @ Buffalo – Patriots 16-0

Pittsburgh @ Atlanta – Steelers 13-3

Jacksonville @ Houston – Jaguars 15-1

Denver @ Cleveland – Broncos 16-0

Washington @ Indianapolis – Colts 16-0

Minnesota @ Seattle – Seahawks 15-1

Arizona @ Oakland – Cardinals 14-2

Monday

NY Giants @ Dallas – Cowboys 13-3

 

Let me know what you think.  Send me an e-mail, or let's talk about it in the Comments here. That is it for today!

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