It may not be the World Series that the country, Major League Baseball, Phillies fans, Yankees fans, and everyone had hoped for (if you know me, it clearly wasn't what I had hoped for). But don't lose hope (or blink) because this fall classic is going to be exciting. One of the league's premier runs scoring offenses against the senior circuit's best arms.
The Giants come in as the underdogs to me. They've proven this entire season that they know how to put pressure on their opponents and win close ballgames. With a (in my opinion) below average offense, their pitching certainly makes up for it. When on, Tim Lincecum is as good as gold. Matt Cain rarely gives you a poor outing. If Jonathan Sanchez is on, he will most likely beat you. Then there's the young rookie, Madison Bumgarner, who has shown more poise on the mound than half of the veterans who are postseason first-timers.
Then there is the Rangers in the other corner. They have an unbelievable offense that can hurt you in so many ways. They get on base, they steal, they make productive outs, and they got some pop as well. Elvis Andrus is quietly blossoming into a star in this league. Their pitching has been getting the job done. And as much as I don't enjoy praising players that don't need anymore praise, Cliff Lee has been an October stud throughout the past two autumns and I really don't expect much else to change.
Predictions
Game 1: Lincecum can't get the changeup down in the zone. Rangers 7, Giants 2.
Game 2: Cain outduels CJ Wilson as Giants 'win by torture' again. Giants 3, Rangers 2.
Game 3: Nelson Cruz goes off on Sanchez, homers twice. Rangers 5, Giants 2.
Game 4: Andrus and Josh Hamilton's bats outhit Andres Torres and Aubrey Huff. Rangers 8, Giants 7.
Game 5: Rangers take it at home behind Lee as Giants go into panic mode by third inning. Rangers 3, Giants 1.
Rangers in five games.
MVP: Elvis Andrus
As much as it pains me to not see the Phillies in this World Series, it is about time some of the players on these teams became household names.
