So who wins the World Series?

I don’t know much about the San Francisco Giants, but I do know more about the Detroit Tigers, their opponent. The Giants are in the National League, and really only appeared on my TV screen in the past few weeks. The Tigers are in the Twins’ division, and I have followed their travails a little too closely. I think, even though I may not be a San Francisco Giants expert, I know enough to come up with an educated choice. Before I make a pick lets first establish the reason why each of these two teams can win, starting with the away team in Game 1.

The Tigers will win not because they had 5 days off and they are refreshed. Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Delmon Young will be winded after they bound up the dugout stairs. The real advantage is that they have been able to set their rotation, and their two best starters, Justin Verlander and Doug Fister won’t be wasted. because they are pitching on the road against the Giants’ best starters. The Tigers will play at home with one of the best offenses in the league when the likes of Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner or Ryan Vogelsong (at least two of the three) will be on the mound. Everyone makes a point to note that the Giants have been coming back with their backs against the wall, but the Tigers have been playing really well, both to get into the playoffs and to march past the A’s and Yankees.

Of course, there are also the Giants…

Let me first start by saying… I picked the Giants in the World Series, so congratulations to me. The Giants aren’t much in terms of power hitting. Just think, Marco Scutaro was their NLCS MVP. What they do have is Hunter Pence and Angel Pagan who can dump it down the lines. Pablo Sandoval is the most recognizable home run threat, and he only hit 25. Why is this a big deal? Well, if they are going to hit it to the gaps or down the lines, there will be plenty of room. In case you hadn’t heard, the Tigers aren’t too great at defense. The Giants will be able to keep the Tigers’ pitching uncomfortable with runners frequently in scoring position. Additionally, look at the Tigers in the post season again. Can they rely on another strong series from the notoriously streaky Delmon Young?

Of course, the streakier team on the whole has been the Giants. I think, when it comes down to a backs-against-the-wall game against the Tigers, they will find it more difficult to defeat Justin Verlander than it was to beat Kyle Lohse. That is why I am picking…..

THE DETROIT TIGERS IN 5 GAMES