It’s blue collar Michigan vs. California cool.
Meat and potatoes Detroit vs. Sushi San Francisco.
The Detroit Tigers play San Francisco Giants in the first World Series match up between these two teams ever. The Tigers have won four World Series ( 1935, 1945, 1968, 1984), while San Francisco has one title (2010).
This year, The Tigers have superior starting pitching while the Giants have the better bullpen. Both teams are evenly matched, but the Giants have home field advantage.
Momentum favors the Giants since they have won 6 straight elimination games (three against the Cardinals, three against the Reds) and the Series starts (and potentially ends) in San Francisco, where there is no designated hitter. Where will the Tigers put Delmon Young?
The Tigers swept the Yankees 4-0, while the Giants had to go seven games to beat the Cardinals. On three previous occasions, the team that played seven league championship games easily beat the team that played just four.
However, the Tigers have a well-rested Justin Verlander, who could pitch Game One, Game Four and Game Seven, if necessary. Verlander was virtually unhittable this postseason, going 3-0 with a 0.74 ERA. The reigning strike out king also K’d 25 hitters in 24 and 1/3 innings.
Of course the Giants have Matt “Perfect Game” Cain and a rejuvenated Barry Zito, who will start Game One.
Offensively, it’s Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder for the Tigers, vs. MVP Buster Posey and Marvelous Marco Scutaro for the Giants.
I think this Series will go seven games. And if Verlander’s on the mound for the Tigers, I’m not betting against them.
