Pitching: For starting pitching, the Tigers are tough to beat. If you are a casual baseball fan, you have heard the name Justin Verlander. He unanimously won the 2011 Cy Young, and also took home the AL MVP that year as well. Those are just two of the numerous awards he has collected in his career. The guy is a stud. He even dated that girl Kate Upton.
(She's only half-decent looking, maybe a 6/10 on a good day).
Nonetheless, back to baseball. The Tigers also have Max Scherzer, who emerged this year and had an outstanding win-loss record of 21-3. Those two alone can carry you to the World Series, but when you throw in Anibal Sanchez, who had the best ERA in the American league this year, this team looks like a lock, right? Wrong. Yes the Tigers have great pitching, but if there is one team that can match them it is Boston. Jon Lester has beaten them twice this season alone (Once against previously mentioned Max Scherzer). Clay Buchholz, who was 12-1 himself, has proven before that he can rise to the challenge and pitch a great game. A key pitcher in this series is going to be Jake Peavy. Not only will he start Game 4, but John Farrell also said he would be available out of the bullpen in Game 1. Peavy proved in Tampa that he can win playoff games, but it will be interesting to see how he copes with a real playoff atmosphere in Detroit. In the end though, I give the advantage to Detroit but would not be surprised if the Sox pitching staff outduels them in this series.
For Offense, I choose Boston and I'll tell you why. Detroit has star power all over their lineup, with the exception of the bottom three hitters. Guys like Prince Fielder (.278, 25 Homers) and Miguel Cabrera (.348, 44 big fly's) don't come around too often. That's just the beginning. They also have Victor Martinez, smooth as silk Torii Hunter, and Jhonny Peralta, the man suspended for PED's early this season. They have tons of talent, but the Red Sox have more of a "team" feel. Runs for this team can come from anywhere, whether it's a nuke from Big Papi or a passed ball, this team finds a way. That is why i believe they can find a way against Verlander and Scherzer. Will they? That remains to be seen.
Players to Watch:
Jacoby Ellsbury: The tone setter for this Red Sox offense, Ellsbury will be one of the deciding factors in this series. He hit .500 against the Rays, with 4 stolen bases and 7 runs scored. Since this series will most likely go 5-7 games, if Jacoby can put up around the same numbers or even a little bit worse, the Red Sox go to the World Series. Also, who wouldn't want free tacos again like in 2007?
Miguel Cabrera: When healthy, this guy mashes baseballs. However, a lingering groin injury may keep his stats at bay this series. When he is on, he wins the Triple Crown, but when he is off, he is just another run of the mill ballplayer. If Miguel Cabrera shows up in this series, I think the Tigers take it. If not, the Sox will be back at the Dance.
(Who wears Crowns anymore??)
Xander Bogaerts: I know I know, he doesn't even start, but Xander has a chance to be HUGE in this series. With Will Middlebrooks struggling to hit above his weight, look for Xander to pinch hit or even get a start here or there. Xander drew two key walks in the sox clinching win against the Rays. With Will struggling, look for the future star to have a major impact, much like Jacoby did in the 07 postseason.
(Get to know this beautiful Aruban mug)
Prediction: After going through stats and matchups and what not, I have finally come to a conclusion. I went back and forth all week, mostly leaning towards the Tigers in 7. But I am a homer and I've been riding this team for 167 games, so why stop now? I take the Red Sox in 6 games, and they better win in 6 because nobody wants Game 7 to depend on this guy.
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